The former England captain’s comments follow a significant victory for Inter Miami in the Campeones Cup against Cruz Azul. During the 2-0 win, Messi was instrumental, contributing both a goal and an assist. The goal marked a personal milestone for the forward, representing his 100th strike for the club and the 49th major trophy of his career.
A Legacy of Excellence at 39
Reflecting on Messi’s recent contributions, Beckham highlighted the rarity of a player maintaining such elite standards at this stage of their career. Speaking to the media, Beckham emphasized that the forward’s impact remains unmatched, particularly following his recent international campaign where he recorded eight goals and four assists during the World Cup. Despite his side finishing as runners-up to Spain, Messi’s individual output was widely noted.
"When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he has had, there is no one at 39 that is doing that, and doing it at that level," Beckham stated. "He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d'Or. In my opinion, he should win it."
Teammate Support and Future Outlook
The sentiment expressed by the Inter Miami co-owner was echoed by teammate Casemiro, who benefited from Messi’s playmaking during the recent cup fixture. The midfielder, who scored from a Messi assist, urged supporters to appreciate the remainder of the veteran's career as he enters the final phase of his playing days.
Casemiro noted that the consistency Messi displays, both on the international stage and within the MLS, serves as a reminder of his status in the sport. He encouraged fans to cherish the opportunity to watch him play, acknowledging that the forward continues to prove his quality despite the passage of time. Messi remains among the 30 nominees for this year's Ballon d'Or, a list that notably excludes his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo for the fourth consecutive year.
