In a football world increasingly swayed by narratives, Cristian Romero has delivered a powerful, fan-first ultimatum: the Ballon d'Or belongs to Lionel Messi, and any argument otherwise ignores the pure genius of the game.
Key Points:
- Cristian Romero vehemently supports Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or, stating he is the "unrivalled best."
- The Atlético Madrid defender criticizes awards for prioritizing "marketing appeal" over sporting merit.
- Romero highlights Messi's unparalleled humility despite his legendary status.
- Diego Simeone also echoed strong support for Messi's candidacy after his World Cup heroics.
Romero's Unwavering Verdict: Messi Remains Unchallenged
After Atlético Madrid's thrilling 2-1 derby victory over Real Madrid, Cristian Romero wasted no time in making his stance clear to ESPN. For him, the question of the Ballon d'Or is simple: "Leo Messi should get it. Until he retires, that is clear."
The Argentina international didn't just praise Messi's on-field wizardry. He emphasized the veteran's remarkable humility, a quality Romero witnessed firsthand as a teammate. "He is still the best in the world. What makes him even greater is that I have shared a dressing room with him, and he possesses a humility that very few have. Those things make him stand out."
Romero recounted how Messi personally helped him settle into the national squad during challenging times. "He has been my idol since I was a little boy; I saw him suffer, and then go on to win everything. Having shared so much with him, he is the greatest of all time."
The Shifting Sands of Awards: Marketing Over Merit?
Romero's conviction that Messi stands alone at the pinnacle of football fuels a deeper critique of modern individual accolades. He asserts, "There is nobody else like Messi. I keep saying it."
The Atlético Madrid stalwart predicts a grim future for the Ballon d'Or once Messi eventually hangs up his boots. He believes criteria will shift dramatically, with commercial appeal eclipsing pure sporting excellence. "Once Messi decides to call time on his career, we'll have to see who they give the Ballon d'Or to. To whichever player has the most marketing power, because that is pretty much what it comes down to."
This sentiment isn't isolated. Even Atlético boss Diego Simeone recently weighed in, stating unequivocally: "Messi, without a shadow of a doubt. After the World Cup he had, at his age, without any doubt, Messi." The collective voice from Argentina is clear: Messi's legacy and current form make him the undeniable choice.
Countdown to Glory: The 70th Ballon d'Or Gala
The stage is set for the 70th Ballon d'Or gala, scheduled for October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre. France Football's official September 8 announcement confirmed Messi on the prestigious 30-man shortlist.
His astonishing year, featuring 45 goals and 30 assists across club and international duty, including his pivotal role in leading Argentina to the World Cup final, makes his case compelling. The ceremony will ultimately reveal whether on-pitch brilliance can still triumph over the increasingly influential forces of commercial clout.
