Former Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin believes Lionel Messi deserves to collect the 2026 Ballon d'Or following his heroic exploits for club and country. The Russian icon feels handing the Inter Miami talisman another golden ball would offer a poetic conclusion to his career at the highest level, citing his talismanic run to the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.
The 20-year-old South African defender had a match that saw both the best, and worst of the youngster. He created the Fire's opening goal with a defence splitting pass down the flank, but was caught out of position and reacted slowly to the danger when Toronto got their equaliser.