Cristian Romero Has Backed Messi For Ballon d'Or
The defender argued his former teammate deserves the award annually until his retirement.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Soccer
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Cristian Romero has claimed that Lionel Messi should win the Ballon d'Or every season until his retirement. The former international teammate stated during an interview with ESPN that there is simply no player like Messi.
Why it matters
The comments highlight the enduring legacy and impact of Messi, who recently concluded his international football career. The endorsement underscores the high esteem in which he is held by peers after years of playing together.
Messi recorded 24 goals and 14 assists across 28 appearances for Inter Miami this season. He also produced 8 goals and 4 assists during the World Cup, which Argentina concluded after a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final.
The players
Cristian Romero
A professional footballer who recently transferred to Atletico Madrid and previously played for the Argentina national team.
Lionel Messi
A veteran footballer and former Argentina international who currently plays for Inter Miami.
The details
Cristian Romero, who recently completed a transfer to Atletico Madrid for £34.2 million, made the remarks regarding his long-time Argentina teammate. Having made five appearances for his new club, Romero reflected on his five years playing alongside the 39-year-old Messi.
Timeline
Argentina won the World Cup in 2022.
Lionel Messi retired from international football in August 2026.
Season Trajectory
Romero's endorsement follows the conclusion of Messi's international career, marking a transition period for the Argentina national team squad. This shift forces a recalculation of the team's leadership and attacking strategy in future competitive cycles.
Messi's retirement from international football marks the end of his contributions to Argentina's lineup for upcoming tournaments. For Inter Miami, Messi continues to remain active, having registered a direct goal involvement in the majority of his 28 games this season.
The takeaway
The comments from Romero reflect the high value placed on individual consistency and historical output in football. Readers can track how such endorsements influence broader debates surrounding prestigious awards like the Ballon d'Or.
Further reading
For more background on international player performances and historical records, visit Soccer.
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Should legendary players be awarded top honors annually until they decide to retire?
