Overview
- Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup, and Messi scored his 100th goal for the club in that match on Wednesday.
- Minutes after the game Beckham said Messi should win a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or during a live post-match interview.
- Managing owner Jorge Mas and head coach Cristian González publicly echoed Beckham’s view, praising Messi’s competitiveness and leadership.
- Messi’s case cited by Miami combines his 8 goals and 4 assists in the 2026 World Cup with a dominant MLS season in which he leads the league with 19 goals and 13 assists.
- Messi is on France Football’s Ballon d’Or shortlist released Sept. 8 and will face rivals such as Rodri, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane at the Oct. 26 ceremony, and Beckham’s public push could shape voter discussion in the coming weeks.