World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.
World Cup quest for Messi after MLS Cup triumph
The most recent of Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or triumphs was savoured in 2023. He was recognised as the best player on the planet a matter of months out from inspiring his country to World Cup immortality at Qatar 2022.
The South American GOAT starred across that tournament, delivering when it mattered most in the knockout stages, and was able to complete his historic medal collection on a memorable night in the Middle East.
Messi is expected to form part of Argentina’s title defence, despite being yet to confirm his participation, and will have his sights locked on going back-to-back when the most prestigious of trophies come up for grabs.
He helped Inter Miami to an MLS Cup win, and himself to Golden Boot and MVP honours, in 2025 and has been showing no sign of slowing down. If he figures for the Albiceleste at FIFA’s flagship event, then he will be determined to claim the ultimate prize.
Could Messi win a ninth Ballon d’Or?
Asked if that could lead to another Ballon d’Or being secured, 2002 World Cup winner Kleberson – speaking in association with BetVictor Online Casino – told GOAL: “Wow! That guy never stops! Argentina has more chance of winning the World Cup with Messi than any other country, just because Messi is still playing at a good level.
“It’s different from Ronaldo. He is still playing at a level, but the players around Ronaldo, it’s not the same as Messi has with Argentina. It’s purity. What Portuguese players have and Argentine players have is completely different. That’s why Messi has a lot of chance.
“If he goes and wins the World Cup, 100 per cent he’s going to be up to win the Ballon d’Or again. He’s brilliant. Even Brazilian players and fans look at him and want to see good players win the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup – players that are a joy to see play. Messi is one of those.”
Stars and stripes: Will more big names follow Messi to MLS?
While preparing to illuminate the international area, Messi has been doing that domestically since heading to the United States in 2023. More records have been broken there, with further additions being made to the most decorated roll of honour in professional football.
Kleberson once graced the MLS ranks himself, with the Philadelphia Union, and is delighted to see Messi building that brand.
Quizzed on whether more big names will follow Messi, Thomas Muller and Son Heung-min to North America in the years to come, Kleberson said: “I first went to MLS in 2013 when I went to play for the Philadelphia Union. At the time there had been [David] Beckham em Los Angeles e alguns outros. Depois disso, mais jogadores começaram a chegar. Muitos jogadores foram para a MLS.
“A liga mudou, são jogos competitivos e de bom nível. O que a MLS tem é entretenimento.
“Acredito que mais jogadores virão. Você pode ver agora que mais jogadores jovens estão indo para a MLS porque sabem que o negócio é um pouco diferente lá. Muitos clubes da Europa, de Brasilcomece a receber jogadores da MLS. Veja quantos jogadores americanos estão na Premier League agora, há muito movimento”.
Contrato de Messi: prorrogação de três anos acordada no Inter Miami
Messi permanecerá por alguns anos, com o sempre-verde jogador de 38 anos se comprometendo com um novo contrato com o Inter Miami que o levará até 2028. Ele espera garantir mais títulos nesse período, ao mesmo tempo que toma uma grande decisão sobre quando encerrar o dia como capitão da Argentina – com seu número de internacionalizações e gols em nível internacional sendo elevado para 196 e 115, respectivamente.
