Xavi Backs Yamal for Ballon d'Or but Praises Messi

Xavi Hernández has backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or after Spain's triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also praising Lionel Messi's remarkable tournament at the age of 39.

The former Barcelona midfielder was asked about the Ballon d'Or race and acknowledged the extraordinary level Messi reached during Argentina's run to the World Cup final.

“Leo has also done tremendously well at the World Cup,” Xavi said. “At 39 years old, the World Cup he played was tremendous, fantastic.”

Messi extended his record to 34 World Cup appearances during the tournament and became the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup final. Argentina ultimately lost 1–0 to Spain after extra time.

However, Xavi believes Spain's status as world champions should carry significant weight in the individual award.

“Spain are world champions and surely a Spanish player has to win the Ballon d'Or,” he said.

His preferred candidate is Yamal.

“Lamine is special, he is different,” Xavi said, adding that the Barcelona winger will win the Ballon d'Or at least once during his career.

The 19-year-old had a memorable World Cup with Spain, helping them defeat Argentina in the final alongside fellow teenager Pau Cubarsí. Both players featured in all eight of Spain's matches and became only the fourth and fifth teenagers to appear in a World Cup final.

Xavi also believes Yamal's performances in 2026 were strong enough to put him in contention for the award immediately.

“He has had a good year to be able to win it now,” the former Barcelona coach said.

With Spain lifting the World Cup and Yamal playing a prominent role in their historic campaign, Xavi's comments add another high-profile endorsement to the Barcelona youngster's Ballon d'Or case.