Lionel Messi finishes fifth in 2026 Ballon d’Or voting as historic era nears its end

Lionel Messi finished fifth in the 2026 Ballon d’Or standings, remaining among the world’s leading players despite being 39 and approaching the conclusion of his international career.

The eight-time winner was recognised for his performances with Argentina at the World Cup, where he scored eight decisive goals before his side lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final.

Messi’s fifth-place finish means he remains a possible future contender for the individual award, despite playing outside Europe and moving towards the end of his international career. He has since retired from international football this summer after scoring 126 goals in 208 appearances for Argentina.

Messi was not present at Monday evening’s ceremony in London. According to French newspaper L’Equipe, he 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 they lost 2-0.

Although he did not attend the Ballon d’Or event, Messi received a warm reception from the audience at the London Palladium when his name appeared in a video showing previous winners of the award.

European competition remains a challenge

Messi’s nomination came despite his absence from the weekly competition provided by Europe’s top leagues. During the voting period, he scored 40 goals and supplied 27 assists in 41 matches for Inter Miami.

However, playing in the American league did not give him the same level of exposure as players competing for Europe’s leading clubs, limiting his prospects of reclaiming the award.

By finishing fifth, Messi has now been nominated for the Ballon d’Or 17 times. He has placed in the top three on 14 occasions, a record number of podium finishes. Cristiano Ronaldo remains ahead of him for total nominations, with 18.

Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until December 2028, leaving open the possibility of continuing his club career. A further challenge for the Ballon d’Or would appear to depend on him producing an exceptional season capable of returning him to the centre of global attention.

The latest result also suggests the long-running rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo is approaching its conclusion. The pair dominated the award for years, winning 12 of the 13 editions held between 2008 and 2021, before the contest shifted towards a new generation of players.

The result came as Kylian Mbappe faced disappointment after failing to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The award instead went to England striker Harry Kane, contrary to the expectations of some of the French forward’s supporters.