Former France international, Djibril Cissé, has insisted that Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will be among the top players to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
Cissé stated this while backing Bayern Munich's Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or on Monday.
According to him, the England captain is a nice guy, adding that he would love to see Kane claim the award in London.
Speaking about the player to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Cissé told Mr Gamble, as quoted by Bavarian Football Works, "You still see Messi running on the pitch like he is 20 or 25, and scoring goals is not easy, so I would not write him off that quickly.
"He will be there, in the top four or five. Maybe not winning it, but in the top four or five. I would really love it for Kane because he’s a nice guy, but I think it will be difficult.”
Ballon d'Or 2026: Messi will be in top 4 - Djibril Cissé picks award winner