French football icon Zinedine Zidane has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi in the long-running debate over the greatest footballer of all time, insisting that anyone who still questions the Argentine’s status does not understand the game.
Zidane also backed Messi’s chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying he would vote for the Inter Miami star “100 times” if given the opportunity.
The former Real Madrid manager praised Messi’s remarkable longevity, particularly his ability to remain among the world’s top players at the age of 39.
“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, according to Marca.
Messi was included among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after another impressive campaign. The Argentine has won the prestigious individual award a record eight times, with his most recent victory coming in 2023 following his key role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Zidane said Messi’s continued performances at the highest level make him a serious contender for the award despite his age.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Messi won the award,” he said, while questioning whether any of the other nominees had made a bigger impact than the Argentine.
Messi has also announced his retirement from international football, a decision that could mark the beginning of the final chapter of his illustrious playing career.
Asked about the ongoing debate over who deserves to be regarded as football’s greatest player, Zidane delivered an emphatic response.
“If anyone still has doubts about the GOAT debate, honestly, that person does not belong in football society,” he said.
