Argentina Midfielder De Paul Endorses Lionel Messi for 2026 Ballon d'Or
Rodrigo De Paul, Argentina midfielder, publicly supports Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or
In Brief
- •Rodrigo De Paul, Argentina midfielder, publicly supports Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or
- •De Paul praised Messi as best player of the 2026 World Cup, citing his performance at age 39
- •Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and two assists and has announced retirement from international football
- •De Paul made the comments during an interview with TUDN Mexico
Why It Matters
Lionel Messi’s potential to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or carries significant symbolic weight, as it would mark the culmination of a career that has already seen him secure multiple Ballon d’Or titles. His retirement from international football adds urgency to the award, potentially cementing his legacy as the greatest player of his generation. The endorsement from a fellow Argentine international, Rodrigo De Paul, underscores Messi’s influence within the national squad and highlights the broader narrative of veteran leadership in the 2026 World Cup. It also reflects the global media attention surrounding Messi’s final international campaign and the anticipation of his legacy being formally recognized.
Key Details
- Player
- Lionel Messi
- Award
- 2026 Ballon d'Or
- Tournament
- 2026 World Cup
- Goals
- 8
- Assists
- 2
Original Reporting & Sources
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