Lionel Messi nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Argentina's football legend Lionel Messi, who recently announced his retirement from international play, has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. France Football, the prestigious magazine that presents the coveted prize, revealed the list of 30 candidates on Tuesday, with the 39-year-old Argentine included among them. This marks Messi's 17th nomination, though he still lags behind his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been nominated 18 times.

However, Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or wins, with eight trophies to his name in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. He is back on the shortlist for the first time since 2023, when he secured his eighth award. Messi, the former captain of Argentina, led his team to their second consecutive World Cup final this year, which they lost to Spain, but remains an outsider for the award.

Still, he showcased his exceptional talent, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in the tournament. He also broke several records, including the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, the most consecutive games scoring in World Cup matches, and the most Player of the Match awards. While England's Harry Kane, Spain's Lamine Yamal, and France's Kylian Mbappé are considered the favorites, Messi's performance this year cannot be overlooked.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez, another Argentine nominated for the award, contributed 22 goals for his club and played a crucial role in Argentina's World Cup final appearance, scoring the decisive goal against England. The Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled for Monday, October 26, will be held for the first time outside France at The London Palladium.