Harry Kane: Lionel Messi is ‘extremely humble’ as Ballon d’Or talk grows

Harry Kane says Lionel Messi is “simply an amazing player” and an “extremely humble” person, while admitting his record-breaking season has placed him among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

The Bayern Munich striker scored 73 goals last season, the second-highest total in history behind Messi’s 82 goals in 69 matches during the 2011-2012 campaign.

“It is complicated. I have never liked talking too much about myself,” Kane told Spanish newspaper Marca. “The only thing I can say is that last season was amazing, both personally and for the team. By far, it was the best season of my life.

“Scoring 73 goals, the second-highest number in history after Lionel Messi’s 82, speaks for itself. I am extremely proud of that. I can only thank my team-mates and everyone who helped me achieve it.”

Kane said the final decision would be made by the voters and that his focus had now moved to the current campaign.

“The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. It depends on the people who vote,” he said. “From my point of view, last season is now in the past. I am focused on this season and looking forward to seeing what I can achieve.

“I know there will be a lot of talk about the Ballon d’Or until October because it is a major award.”

Kane also reflected on England’s dramatic World Cup semi-final against Argentina in 2026, when he faced Messi.

“Obviously, that was a difficult day for me. It was a hard moment after we went out in that way,” he said. “But I have huge respect for Messi. I have watched him grow as a footballer.

“I think Messi is simply an amazing player and, according to the people who know him, a great person too. I have only dealt with him twice, but he seems extremely humble to me. He has always put the team before himself, and I think that is one of the reasons Argentina achieved the success they did.”

Kane recalled embracing Messi and wishing him well in the final after the match.

“I remember hugging him that day and wishing him good luck in the final,” he said. “The World Cup was not ours in the end, but that is how the tournament is. The best players face one another on the biggest stage and, of course, there will always be a loser.”

He added: “After the defeat, I tried to keep my head held high and show respect to the other team. I think that was important, especially towards Messi, given what he has achieved over so many years in football.”

Kane also praised the start made by England team-mate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, saying he had expected the midfielder to enjoy working with Jose Mourinho.

“Jude and I had a very good relationship at the World Cup because of the way we played and exchanged the ball,” Kane said. “We had a great connection with and without the ball.

“We also built a very strong relationship off the pitch, and that can only help England. It is great to see how quickly he has adapted to Madrid.

“I spoke to him a little during the World Cup about Jose Mourinho, and I knew he would like Mourinho. I also knew Mourinho would like Jude, and clearly they already seem to have a good relationship.

“Jude has made a fantastic start. From an England point of view, it is great to see.”