{
  "id": 7592632,
  "title": "👊 Simeone: Who should win the Ballon d'Or? Messi, no doubt",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/simeone-who-should-win-the-ballon-dor-messi-no-doubt",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T16:51:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/simeone-win-ballon-dor-messi-165100276.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Diego Simeone, head coach of Atlético de Madrid, has once again voiced his unequivocal support for Lionel Messi when discussing the recipient of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. Simeone, known for his forthrightness, made it clear that Messi's World Cup triumph and sustained excellence place him above all other contenders. \"Who should win the Ballon d'Or? Messi, after the World Cup he had, at the age he is... without any doubt,\" the Argentine coach firmly declared. The backing of such a respected figure further bolsters the Argentine captain's position in the debate surrounding the award's recipient. Currently, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane are also vying for the top spot, but Simeone's unequivocal endorsement of Messi leaves little doubt as to who he believes should take home the prestigious accolade.",
  "summary": "Atlético de Madrid head coach Diego Simeone once again expressed his deep admiration for Lionel Messi when asked who should receive the highest individual award in world football. The weight of the W...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Orlando Pride signs prolific scorer Barbra Banda to contract extension",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/orlando-pride-signs-prolific-scorer-barbra-banda-to-contract-extension",
        "published": "2026-09-14T15:46:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}