Zinedine Zidane chose the Argentine over all his competitors and stated that his impact during the year was impossible to ignore.

The French coach not only defended the Argentine's candidacy, but also assured that he would choose him again and again if he had the chance to vote.

Lionel Messi received emphatic backing from Zinedine Zidane in the race for the Ballon d'Or.

Zinedine focused on one aspect he considers especially striking: Messi's ability to keep competing at the highest level at 39 years old. “I think people really don't understand how incredible it is to still be among the best players in the world at 39 years old”, he said.

The Frenchman also stressed with particular emphasis that Messi continues to produce performances capable of putting him back in the conversation for the top individual honors.

“I wouldn't be surprised if Messi won the award”, stated Zidane, who also questioned whether any of the other nominees had a greater influence than the Argentine.

Zidane was also emphatic when asked about the debate over the greatest footballer in history. “If anyone still has doubts about the GOAT debate, honestly, that person does not belong in football society.”