Zinedine Zidane has named Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, overlooking Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona and Pele. According to Legit.ng, the French legend is also backing Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, citing his record of 45 goals and 30 assists for Inter Miami last season at the age of 39. Zidane's endorsement adds to the long-running debate over football's greatest player, with the former Real Madrid coach firmly placing his support behind the Argentine star.

Zinedine Zidane has named former Argentina captain Lionel Messi as the greatest player in football history, according to the Daily Post. Asked about the GOAT debate and whether Messi is the greatest footballer of all time, the Real Madrid legend reportedly said, as quoted by Marca, "If anyone still has doubts" about Messi's status. The comments add another prominent voice to the long-running discussion over football's greatest ever player.

Lionel Messi stated that he is not concerned about his age after becoming the all-time scorer in World Cup history just before his 39th birthday. He achieved this milestone by surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals with a first-half goal during Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas, where he scored another goal as well.

According to The Citizen Sport, many of the world's top athletes, including icons like Messi, Ronaldo, Hamilton, and the Williams sisters, continue to excel in their sports despite being in their 40s. This highlights the notion that age may not be a barrier to achieving elite performance in athletics.

France legend Zinedine Zidane has said he would vote for Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, claiming he would back him "100 times." Messi was named among the 30-man shortlist of nominees released by France Football on Tuesday. According to the report, the Argentine earned his nomination after a season in which he led Inter Miami to the MLS title, scoring 45 goals and providing 30 assists.

Former Mexico international Javier Hernandez, known as Chicharito, has commented on the debate surrounding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest football players of all time. He noted that the discussion is more about relatability than direct comparisons between the two icons, who are widely recognized as the top players in football history.