Lionel Messi finished fifth in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings after his performances for Argentina at the World Cup, keeping alive the possibility of another individual honour despite being 39 and nearing the end of his international career.
The eight-time winner was absent from Monday evening’s ceremony at the London Palladium. French newspaper L’Equipe reported that Messi had travelled to Oviedo to collect the Princess of Asturias Award on Friday before returning to the United States for Inter Miami’s match against New York, which his side lost 2-0.
Messi was unable to claim a ninth Ballon d’Or after retiring from international football this summer, but his fifth-place finish marked a significant return to the list of leading contenders. His showing at the World Cup was central to that achievement and represented another notable chapter in his career with Argentina.
He scored eight important goals during the tournament, reaching the final with his country before Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain after extra time. Messi ended his international career with 126 goals in 208 appearances for Argentina.
Although he did not attend the ceremony, his enduring popularity was evident when the audience at the London Palladium applauded after his name appeared in a video featuring previous Ballon d’Or winners.
European competition remains a factor
Messi’s nomination came despite his absence from the weekly competition provided by Europe’s major leagues. During the voting period, he scored 40 goals and supplied 27 assists in 41 appearances for Inter Miami.
However, playing in Major League Soccer did not give him the same profile or exposure as those competing against Europe’s leading clubs, a factor that limited his prospects of challenging for the award.
The fifth-place result was Messi’s 17th Ballon d’Or nomination. He has now finished in the top three on 14 occasions, a record number of podium appearances, while Cristiano Ronaldo has received more nominations overall, with 18.
Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami until December 2028, leaving open the possibility of continuing his club career. A future challenge for the Ballon d’Or would nevertheless appear to depend on him producing an exceptional season capable of returning him to the centre of global attention.
The latest result also underlined the apparent closing of the long-running rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo. Between 2008 and 2021, the pair won 12 of the 13 awards before the contest shifted towards a new generation of players.
That transition comes as Kylian Mbappe faces pressure after missing out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The award went to England striker Harry Kane, contrary to the expectations of some of the French forward’s supporters.
