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.

Real Madrid and France striker Kylian Mbappe took part in a rapid-fire question session posted on the official X account of the Ballon d’Or, according to Daily Post. He was asked to choose among football icons including Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Delima and other former winners, working through a bracket of legends to identify his greatest Ballon d’Or winner. The excerpt does not reveal his final selection.

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.

Lionel Messi set nine new FIFA World Cup records during Argentina's recent victory against Cape Verde, surpassing the achievements of both Pelé and Kylian Mbappé. This performance further cements Messi's legacy in football history.

Kylian Mbappe has become the leading French player in terms of goals scored in a single season for both the national team and the top five European leagues. His recent goal during the World Cup Round of 16 match against Paraguay marked his 55th goal for the French national football team, according to Daily Post (NG).