Aguero Explains Why Messi Should Win 2026 Ballon d’Or

• Sergio Aguero has explained why he believes Lionel Messi should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, pointing to the Argentine’s extraordinary World Cup performance at the age of 39.

According to Aguero, Messi’s ability to produce at the highest level against players almost half his age makes his achievements particularly special and should count heavily in the Ballon d’Or debate.

Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists in eight matches at the World Cup, captaining Argentina to their third final of the competition.

For Aguero, it is not simply the numbers but the circumstances surrounding them that make Messi’s campaign stand out.

The former Argentina striker also highlighted Messi’s success with Inter Miami, where he led the club to their first MLS Cup in December 2025 while winning both the Golden Boot and MVP awards.

Aguero therefore believes Messi’s combination of club success and his age-defying World Cup display gives him a compelling case for the prestigious individual award.

Messi is now preparing for his final appearance for Argentina. After announcing his international retirement in August, he agreed to play one last match against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Before that farewell, Messi is expected to feature for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew in MLS action.

For Aguero, however, it is Messi’s extraordinary World Cup showing at 39 that provides the strongest reason why he should be crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner.