For Cristian Romero, there is no doubt about who remains the best player on the planet. The Argentina defender once again expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, claiming that the Albiceleste captain should win the Ballon d'Or for as long as he continues playing professionally.
Cuti Romero Insists Messi Is Still the Best
Cristian Romero once again backed Lionel Messi, insisting the Argentine remains the best player in the world.
Messi, 39, is once again among the candidates following an outstanding season with both Argentina and Inter Miami. During the 2026 World Cup, he scored eight goals and helped the Albiceleste reach a second consecutive final, although they ultimately fell to Spain in extra time.
At club level, the Argentine has also continued to post impressive numbers. With Inter Miami, he has recorded 20 goals and 13 assists in the current MLS season, while recently becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals for a single club in all competitions since joining the American league.
Romero Once Again Praises Messi
Speaking about the upcoming Ballon d'Or, Romero was emphatic, placing his international teammate above the rest of the candidates.
"The Ballon d'Or should go to Leo Messi. Until he retires, that is clear," the Atlético de Madrid defender said.
For Romero, his opinion is not based solely on the titles and individual honors Messi has collected throughout his career. The defender believes the Argentine continues to perform at a level that separates him from the rest while also highlighting his personality away from the field.
"Putting aside what he is as a player and everything he has achieved throughout his career, he is still the best in the world," he said.
Messi Has Always Been a Role Model for Cuti Romero
Romero also recalled the importance Messi had during his early days with Argentina. The defender explained that the captain helped him adapt to the national team and acknowledged that he has always been one of his biggest role models.
"He has been my idol since I was a little boy. I saw him suffer and then go on to win everything," the center back said, adding that sharing a locker room with Messi only strengthened his admiration.
The Atlético de Madrid player went even further, insisting there is nobody else like Messi, whom he considers the greatest player of all time.
