Argentina newspaper mocks Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or win as Messi finishes fifth

Argentine media have rejected Harry Kane’s victory in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting Lionel Messi remains the world’s best player despite finishing fifth in the final vote.

Ole led its Tuesday morning front page with the phrase “Aunkane ganes o pierdas” – a play on Kane’s name meaning “whether you win or lose” – to underline its belief that Messi’s standing remains unchanged, regardless of the result.

The newspaper said Messi was “always the best for us”, even though European voters selected the Bayern Munich striker and placed “the greatest legend in history” in a lowly fifth position.

Kane won the award ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappe, who finished second, while Spain’s Lamine Yamal was third. Rodri came fourth, with Messi completing the top five.

Ole also referred to the meeting between Argentina and England in the semi-final of the last World Cup, when Argentina defeated England, arguing that the loss would remain a lasting blemish on Kane’s career.

“The stain of the defeat against Messi and Argentina in the semi-final will never be erased,” the newspaper wrote.

“Even so, Leo Messi will always be the best for us, and the World Cup proved that once again.”

The reaction reflects the continuing importance of Messi to Argentine football coverage, with the country’s media refusing to accept that Kane’s Ballon d’Or success represents a clear change in the debate over the world’s leading player.

Kane’s first-place finish was the defining outcome of the 2026 award rankings, but Ole’s coverage placed greater emphasis on Messi’s legacy and Argentina’s victory over England than on the voting result itself.