The verdict is in. On Tuesday, the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or were revealed. And while he had not been included in the list during the last two editions, Lionel Messi is indeed a candidate this time. A logical return given the World Cup achieved by “la Pulga”.
Author of 8 goals and 4 assists during the North American World Cup, the 39-year-old striker took Argentina to the final, before disappearing against Spain. Enough to win the prestigious trophy for a ninth time? We’ll have to wait until October 26 to find out.
Lionel Messi will stay behind Cristiano Ronaldo
In the meantime, this 17e nomination for the Ballon d’Or allows him to get closer to the record in this area, held by his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo (18), who is absent from the list for the fourth time in a row. A mark that the Albiceleste star will probably not match.
Physically tested and marked by the death of his father in early August, Lionel Messi decided to put an end to his international career. In these conditions, and even if he continues to shine with Inter Miami, it is difficult to imagine him rising among the candidates in 2027 and beyond.
