Writers 
Cristian Romero has once again made his admiration for Lionel Messi clear, insisting that the Argentine superstar should continue to receive the Ballon d’Or for as long as he remains a professional footballer. Romero made the comments while discussing Messi’s extraordinary career and enduring influence on the sport.
According to reports from Argentine outlet TN on Sunday, September 20, 2026, Romero was asked about the Ballon d’Or debate and gave a strong response in favour of his Argentina teammate. The Atlético Madrid defender argued that Messi remains in a category of his own and should continue to be considered for the prestigious individual award.
“The Ballon d’Or should be given to Leo Messi. Until he retires, that’s clear,” Romero said, according to the comments reported by ESPN. “There is no one like him. Surely when he decides not to play anymore, then we will have to see who to give it to!”
Romero’s comments come at a time when the 2026 Ballon d’Or race has once again generated considerable discussion. Messi has been included among the 30 nominees for this year’s award after another remarkable period with Inter Miami and Argentina. The 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre.
The 39-year-old remains the record holder for the most Ballon d’Or victories, having won the award eight times. His most recent success came in 2023 after he helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Ousmane Dembélé won the award in 2025, while Rodri claimed the prize in 2024.
Messi’s nomination this year is supported by another impressive collection of achievements. During the Ballon d’Or evaluation period, he produced outstanding numbers for Inter Miami and Argentina. NBC Sports reported that Messi recorded 45 goals and 30 assists across 49 appearances during the relevant period, including 32 goals and 23 assists for Inter Miami.
His performances also continued during the 2026 World Cup. Messi captained Argentina to the final, although they ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. Reuters reported that the tournament represented another significant chapter in Messi’s international career, following his World Cup triumph with Argentina in 2022.
Despite Argentina’s defeat in the final, Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and remained one of the central figures of the competition. His performances helped him remain part of the Ballon d’Or conversation, even as he plays his club football outside Europe with Inter Miami.
Messi has also continued producing impressive numbers since returning to club football. ESPN reported that, as of September 20, he had scored 34 goals and provided 15 assists in 38 appearances during 2026. He also scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in the club’s 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup.
Romero’s comments are particularly significant because of his close relationship with Messi through the Argentina national team. The pair were members of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup and subsequently remained important figures in Argentina’s international setup. Romero has previously spoken about the privilege of playing alongside Messi and the impact the captain has had on his teammates.
The defender’s argument, however, represents his personal view rather than the criteria used to determine the Ballon d’Or. The award is decided through voting and is based on individual performances and other established considerations during the relevant period. Messi’s nomination means he remains in contention, but the final result will be determined by the official voting process.
For now, Romero believes there should be little debate while Messi is still playing. Whether the Argentine can add a ninth Ballon d’Or to his collection will be decided when the award ceremony takes place in October. What is already clear is that, even at 39, Messi continues to command attention whenever the world’s most prestigious individual football awards are discussed.
