‘Until he retires’ – Ex-Tottenham star demands Lionel Messi win Ballon d’Or until he hangs up his boots in bizarre claim

FORMER Tottenham defender Cristian Romero says that Lionel Messi should win the Ballon d’Or each year “until he retires”. Romero has played alongside Messi for the Argentina national team for the last five years. Cristian Romero claims Lionel Messi should win the Ballon d’Or until he retires Credit: Getty Messi and Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain Credit: Getty The pair won the World Cup together in 2022 and reached the final of the competition earlier this year. Romero has always considered the Barcelona legend one of the greatest players of all time. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! And now he claims Messi should be handed the Ballon d’Or every season until he decides to call time on his incredible career. The former Spurs captain told ESPN: “The Ballon d’Or should be given to Leo Messi. Until he retires, that’s clear. “There is no one like him. Surely when he decides not to play anymore, then we will have to see who to give it to.” Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists for Argentina at the World Cup this year. However, the 2022 champions fell short of the trophy in the final after losing 1-0 to Spain. Messi retired from international football last month and is now focusing on his club career. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Messi has 38 goal contributions in 28 games for Inter Miami this season Credit: AFP The 39-year-old has scored 24 goals and provided 14 assists in 28 games for Inter Miami this season. Meanwhile, Romero recently completed a £34.2million transfer to Atletico Madrid from Tottenham. The defender has so far made five appearances. Comment now