French football legend Zinedine Zidane has strongly backed Lionel Messi in the debate over the greatest footballer of all time, saying those who still doubt the Argentine’s status do not understand football.
According to Marca, Zidane was also emphatic in backing Messi’s Ballon d’Or candidacy, saying he would vote for the Inter Miami forward “100 times” if given the opportunity.
“I think people really don’t understand how incredible it is to still be among the best players in the world at 39 years old,” Zidane said.
Messi, 39, was named among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the shortlist released on Tuesday.
The Argentine has won the prestigious award a record eight times, more than any other player in history. His latest triumph came in 2023, following his influential role in Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar.
