Lionel Messi is once again in the conversation for football’s greatest individual prize. At 39, the Argentina legend has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or – his 17th time – with the ceremony set for 26 October in London.
After guiding Argentina to the World Cup final and delivering another dominant year with Inter Miami, many believe the eight-time winner deserves a record-extending ninth award.
World Cup brilliance at nearly 40
Messi produced one of the most remarkable tournament performances of his career. He scored eight goals and added four assists in eight matches as Argentina reached the final, only to fell 1-0 to Spain.
Along the way he broke multiple records including becoming the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick and temporarily holding the all-time World Cup goal-scoring mark.
His creativity and leadership kept the defending champions alive deep into the knockout stages.
Continued excellence with Inter Miami
Away from the international stage, Messi has remained unstoppable in MLS. He helped Inter Miami claim the 2025 MLS Cup and recently added the Campeones Cup, scoring his 100th goal for the club in the process.
In the current campaign he continues to lead the league in goals and goal contributions while chasing a third consecutive MVP award. Even in his late 30s, his free-kick precision and vision remain elite.
Longevity that rewrites the history books
Few players have ever matched Messi’s consistency across more than two decades. While rivals have faded, he keeps producing at the highest level both for club and country.
His ability to influence big matches at 39 stands as proof that true greatness does not follow a normal timeline.
Peer respect and historic impact
From teammates to coaches and even rival stars, support for Messi remains strong. David Beckham has publicly backed him and many inside the game still view him as the clear standout.
A ninth Ballon d’Or would further cement his status as the most decorated individual in football history and close his international chapter on the highest possible note.
With the award based on the 2025-26 season, Messi’s combination of World Cup heroics, club trophies and unmatched longevity gives him a powerful case. Whether voters reward the fairytale or lean toward younger contenders, the Argentine icon has once again shown why he remains football’s ultimate standard.
