French football icon Zinedine Zidane has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi in the debate over the greatest player of all time, saying anyone who still questions the Argentine’s place does not understand football.
Speaking on Messi’s 2026 Ballon d’Or chances, Zidane said he would vote for the Inter Miami star “100 times” if he had the chance.
“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 included among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after the shortlist was released on Tuesday.
The Argentine has won the award a record eight times, with his most recent success coming in 2023 after helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar.
Zidane believes Messi’s continued top-level performances make him a serious contender despite his age.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Messi won the award,” he said, while asking whether any other nominee had done more than Messi.
Messi recently announced his retirement from international football, potentially marking the final stage of his career.
On the GOAT debate, Zidane was blunt.
“If anyone still has doubts about the GOAT debate, honestly, that person does not belong in football society,” he said.
