Lionel Messi has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, putting the eight-time winner in contention for a record ninth award.
The 39-year-old Argentine made the 30-player shortlist after another outstanding season with Inter Miami and Argentina. Messi finished the 2025/26 season with 45 goals and 30 assists in 49 official appearances, helping Inter Miami win the MLS Cup.
His strongest case came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored eight goals and provided four assists as Argentina reached the final. They eventually lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
The tournament added more records to Messi’s career. He became the first player to provide an assist at six different World Cups and took his World Cup goal tally to 21, second only to Kylian Mbappé. He also holds the record for most World Cup appearances as captain, with 27.
Messi ended his international career after the tournament with 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer and appearance holder.
At club level, he remains one of the leading players in Major League Soccer. Messi is Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer and assist provider and is joint top scorer in the 2026 MLS season with 18 goals.
A ninth Ballon d’Or would extend Messi’s record as the most decorated player in the history of the award. He has won it eight times, most recently in 2023. The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in London on October 26.
Messi’s nomination comes after an international career that includes a World Cup, two Copa América titles, an Olympic gold medal and eight Ballon d’Or awards.
