{
  "id": 6428648,
  "title": "‘I would vote for Messi 100 times’: Real Madrid legend Zidane settles the GOAT debate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/i-would-vote-for-messi-100-times-real-madrid-legend-zidane-settles",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T12:51:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/i-would-vote-for-messi-100-times-real-madrid-legend-zidane-settles-the-goat-debate-1.500668564"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has solidified his support for Lionel Messi in the ongoing Ballon d'Or debate. At 39 years old, Messi has earned a spot back on the shortlist for the prestigious award, garnering accolades for his exceptional performances with Inter Miami and Argentina. Zidane, speaking to MARCA, expressed his unwavering endorsement for Messi, declaring that he would vote for the Argentine star \"100 times\" if given the chance. Zidane highlighted the remarkable nature of Messi's accomplishment, noting that it is even more impressive considering the player's age. He also mentioned that he wouldn't be surprised if Messi were to win the award once more. Messi's case for the Ballon d'Or is bolstered by his impressive statistics during the 2026 assessment period, where he contributed 75 goals in 49 appearances for both Inter Miami and Argentina, scoring 45 goals and providing 30 assists. His leadership and contributions played a pivotal role in Argentina's successful run to the World Cup final, where they ultimately lost to Spain. Despite a competitive field that includes names like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, Zidane's admiration for Messi extends beyond this year's Ballon d'Or race. Zidane's comments, reported by MARCA, emphasize that Messi's abilities and impact on the game transcend his individual achievements, making the GOAT debate an even more compelling discussion among football enthusiasts. However, it is important to note that the quotes attributed to Zidane circulating on social media are, in fact, fake.",
  "summary": "Being back on the Ballon d'Or shortlist at the age of 39 is an incredible achievement in itself. But Lionel Messi has now received an even bigger endorsement from one of Real Madrid's greatest ever players and the manager who led them to three consecutive Champions League titles. Zinedine Zidane has backed Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, saying he would choose the Argentine over the other…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}