De Paul Backs Messi to Win the Ballon d’Or

Rodrigo De Paul has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, insisting that his Argentina teammate deserves to win the prestigious individual award.

Speaking to TUDN Mexico after Inter Miami's Campeones Cup triumph, De Paul was asked about Messi's chances of claiming another Ballon d’Or.

The Argentine midfielder did not hesitate.

“In my opinion, Leo Messi should win the Ballon d'Or,” De Paul said.

“For me there is no discussion, what he did at this World Cup at the age of 39 and being the best player of the tournament... no one will do anything like that ever again.”

De Paul placed particular emphasis on Messi's age and his performances during the 2026 World Cup.

He later explained that Messi had “challenged all limits” by competing against some of the world's best players at an age when most footballers are long retired.

Messi's World Cup campaign has become a major part of the Ballon d'Or discussion. He scored eight goals and provided four assists across eight appearances for Argentina, according to reports covering his tournament.

The veteran forward also continued producing for Inter Miami. Shortly before De Paul's comments, Messi scored and assisted in the 2–0 Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul, helping Inter Miami lift another trophy.

De Paul's endorsement comes as the Ballon d'Or race enters its final stages, with Messi competing against a field that includes several younger stars.

However, De Paul acknowledged that his opinion does not decide the award.

“It's not me who votes,” he said.

For now, his message is clear: De Paul believes Messi's extraordinary World Cup at 39 should be enough to earn him a ninth Ballon d'Or.