Ballon d'Or Hints Suggest Lionel Messi Could Win Again After 2026 World Cup

The Ballon d'Or organizers have subtly indicated that Lionel Messi might be a strong contender for the prestigious football award again, despite the ceremony being about six months away. A recent article posted on the official Ballon d'Or website and social media, timed intriguingly in mid-July 2026, explained why a player not currently playing for a European club could still win the award. Historically, the Ballon d'Or has almost exclusively been awarded to players active in European clubs, but this year’s competition appears more open with no clear favorite.

The article highlights that the outcome of the 2026 World Cup could be decisive. If Argentina wins, Messi, who also won the MLS championship with Inter Miami, would be the leading candidate. Conversely, a Spanish victory could elevate Laimin Yamal, who won La Liga with Barcelona, or Rodri, a previous Ballon d'Or winner two years ago, into strong contention.

The piece also notes that Messi himself is the only precedent for winning the Ballon d'Or while playing outside Europe, having won in 2023 as a member of Inter Miami. However, that award recognized his achievements with both the Argentina national team at the World Cup and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the French league title. This context sets the stage for a potentially historic Ballon d'Or announcement following the 2026 World Cup.