French football legend Zinedine Zidane has waded into the never-ending debate over the greatest footballer of all time, delivering a categorical verdict in favour of Lionel Messi.
The former Real Madrid manager insisted that anyone who still questions Messi’s status as the greatest player in football history simply does not understand the game.
Zidane also threw his weight behind Messi’s bid for another Ballon d’Or, saying he would vote for the Inter Miami star “100 times” if he had the opportunity.
“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.
Messi, 39, was included among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after the shortlist was released on Tuesday.
The Argentine remains the record holder for the most Ballon d’Or victories, having won the prestigious individual award eight times. His most recent triumph came in 2023, following his starring role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Zidane argued that Messi’s remarkable consistency at the highest level, despite being 39, makes him a serious contender for the award.
“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 recently announced his retirement from international football, a decision that could mark the beginning of the final chapter of his illustrious career.
But when asked directly about the GOAT debate, Zidane delivered his strongest verdict yet.
“If anyone still has doubts about the GOAT debate, honestly, that person does not belong in football society,” he said.
