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Messi wins Campeones Cup as Beckham backs ninth Ballon d’Or

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 2:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Beckham Backs Messi

David Beckham championed Lionel Messi for a record ninth Ballon d’Or, citing his eight World Cup goals at age 39.
Messi netted his 100th Inter Miami goal in a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul, clinching the Campeones Cup.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Oct. 26 in London amid a wide-open race.

Summary

Hoeneß Praises Kane

Uli Hoeneß, Bayern Munich honorary president, said Harry Kane deserves this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Hoeneß noted he is not involved in Kane’s contract talks and Jan-Christian Dreesen handles them.
Kane told Marca he is happy in Germany and praised Bayern’s hunger to win the Champions League.
Kane said earlier conversations suggested possible transfers to Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.

History

Historical Context

1995 marked a breakthrough when George Weah became the first African Ballon d’Or winner, challenging Eurocentric dominance. That same year FIFA counted 195 member nations and UEFA clubs captured 55 % of major awards, signaling a shift toward global representation. Today figures like David Beckham and Uli Hoeneß cite that precedent while clubs such as Bayern Munich leverage diverse star power.

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Beckham Backs Messi

David Beckham championed Lionel Messi for a record ninth Ballon d’Or, citing his eight World Cup goals at age 39.
Messi netted his 100th Inter Miami goal in a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul, clinching the Campeones Cup.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Oct. 26 in London amid a wide-open race.

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