Cristian Romero claims Lionel Messi deserves Ballon d'Or indefinitely

Argentine defender Cristian Romero has stated that Lionel Messi should receive the Ballon d'Or for as long as he continues his professional career. Romero, who plays for Atlético Madrid, emphasized that Messi remains the best player in the world regardless of his age or past achievements.

Romero highlighted Messi's continued high performance at Inter Miami, noting his significant goal and assist contributions in Major League Soccer. The defender also reflected on his personal experience playing alongside Messi for the Argentina national team, describing him as a humble leader who helped the squad achieve major successes after years of struggle.

Additionally, Romero expressed criticism regarding modern award criteria, suggesting that commercial appeal and marketing influence often outweigh pure sporting merit in the selection process.