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Football bettingLionel Messi backed for Ballon d,Or after incredible World Cup
David Beckham believes Lionel Messi deserves his ninth Ballon d,Or following an exceptional World Cup campaign with Argentina.
Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 17 September 2026
Inter Miami owner David Beckham has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi in the race for the next Ballon d,Or. The Argentine forward recently carried his national team to another final at the World Cup. He scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament.
Ballon d,Or market contenders
Punters looking at the betting markets face a tough choice this year. Harry Kane scored sixty four goals for Bayern Munich and added six at the World Cup. Kylian Mbappe managed ten goals in the tournament for France alongside forty three strikes for Real Madrid. Lamine Yamal also enters the conversation after winning La Liga with Barcelona.
Age defying performances
Messi continued to break records while playing at thirty nine years of age. He became the second oldest finalist in tournament history. His club form remains strong as well after reaching one hundred goals for Inter Miami. Beckham pointed out that no other player is performing at this level at that age.
Impact on betting odds
Bookmakers are assessing how these international displays affect the individual awards market. Messi now commands serious attention from traders who set the prices. His backers feel confident that his tournament displays outweigh the club silverware won by rivals like Kane. Punters considering an outright wager on the winner must weigh trophy counts against individual brilliance.
Backers considering an outright wager on the Ballon d,Or should monitor how bookmakers price Messi against prolific scorers like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.