Lionel Messi stands among the nominees for the 70th Ballon d’Oro even as voting figures show Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo holding a commanding advantage, Infobae reported.
The debate intensified as Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González dismissed any discussion regarding the all-time accolade during a press conference ahead of his side’s Major League Soccer fixture. When asked about the initiative recognizing the best player in history, the manager cut the debate short by stating that there is no one better than the Argentine star.
Inter Miami Manager Dismisses the Debate Over All-Time Status
Addressing reporters prior to Saturday’s match against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, González praised his captain’s daily dedication and performance at 39 years old following a standout World Cup campaign. The coach emphasized that Messi approaches the sport with the enthusiasm of a young player, noting that watching him train and compete continually motivates his teammates.
González added that the forward maintains an exceptional level of commitment to Inter Miami. Despite recent travel to Spain to receive the prestigious Princesa de Asturias Sports Award for his career achievements and humanitarian contributions, Messi immediately returned to team activities. The manager stated that the player's personal initiative to play shows his dedication to helping the squad defend its 2025 MLS championship crown.
France Football Clarifies the BOAT Public Poll Mechanics
The pool of ten players features Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazário, Marco van Basten, Michel Platini, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
Following widespread online discussion and confusion, the organizing publication issued a formal statement to clarify that the public poll does not constitute an official physical trophy or equal the historic Super Ballon d’Or awarded to Alfredo Di Stéfano in December 1989. Organizers confirmed that the fan-voted results will be announced on October 28, two days after the traditional 2026 gala takes place at the London Palladium Theatre on October 26.
Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Public Voting as Deadlines Approach
Current tallies published by TN indicate that Cristiano Ronaldo holds 75% of the public ballots, propelled largely by his stellar 2008 campaign with Manchester United—during which he captured the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, and Community Shield while scoring 42 goals—alongside support for his 2017 season. Lionel Messi sits in second place with 9% of the vote, largely attributed to his record-breaking 2012 year with 91 calendar goals and his 2023 distinction following Argentina’s World Cup victory.
The online poll remains active until October 27 at midnight, with organizers planning to close the digital ballot before the final results are made public on October 28. Meanwhile, Messi prepares to lead Inter Miami on the field in New Jersey, embracing the pressure of defending the league title as the team enters the final stretch of the domestic campaign.
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