Will Lionel Messi win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?

Consistent performance in the US combined with the prospect of the 2026 World Cup brings Lionel Messi back to the spotlight in the Ballon d'Or race, where a ninth title is no longer a far-fetched idea.

At an age where most players are past their peak, Messi still commands attention in the football world whenever the Ballon d'Or is discussed. Playing in MLS for Inter Miami was once seen as a major disadvantage, since the award has historically favored stars competing in Europe.

However, Messi’s 2025 season has somewhat broken that stereotype. He not only remains the central figure in Inter Miami’s play but also maintains a direct influence on the team’s outcomes, a key criterion when experts evaluate Ballon d'Or contenders.

The crucial reason Messi is seriously reconsidered lies in the unique context of 2026. This is the year of the World Cup, a tournament that always carries overwhelming weight in award voting.

This principle helped Messi secure the 2023 Ballon d'Or after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory, bringing his individual titles to eight. When national team achievements are prioritized, all club-level competition differences tend to fade away.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, makes Messi’s story even more special. He is not only familiar with the playing conditions in North America but also enters the tournament as the reigning world champion.

If Argentina advances far or repeats their championship feat, Messi will face a rare historical scenario: winning consecutive World Cups, something only Brazil achieved between 1958 and 1962. In this context, the media impact and emotional weight Messi generates are nearly unmatched.

Of course, the 2026 Ballon d'Or race is not solely about Messi. Names like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lamine Yamal represent youth, high performance, and the generational shift.

They have a clear advantage due to their intense top-level European play and potential Champions League breakthroughs. Yet, Messi’s presence makes the contest distinct. He doesn’t need to be the top scorer or win every club trophy but must create iconic moments at the right time.

In the modern era, very few players outside Europe can dream of the Ballon d'Or. Messi is a living exception, and the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect final chapter for his legacy. Should Argentina ascend to the top again, Messi winning his ninth Ballon d'Or will no longer be a question of possibility but a testament to an unprecedented career in football history.