Can a defender really sway the Ballon d’Or debate? Cuti Romero (28), the new defensive leader of Atlético Madrid, praised Messi after a clean‑sheet win over Real Madrid that saw Mbappé silenced, and he defended the Argentine’s claim to the prize.
In my view, the Ballon d’Or belongs to Messi as long as he keeps playing,” he told ESPN. He placed the former Barcelona star above every other contender, insisting no debate should arise while Leo remains active.
He added there’s simply no one like him, then warned that once he hangs up his boots the prize will pass to someone else, leaving fans to wonder who will inherit Messi’s mantle.
Romero summed up his criteria bluntly: the award should go to the player with the biggest marketing power, because that’s essentially what it is. Who will dominate the spotlight when Messi finally retires?