Messi favorite for 2026 Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi is the top favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Argentine star can win the award even playing outside Europe.

ByIsabella Martinez- Senior Editor

Today / 17:02|Last updated: Today / 17:05

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Messi favorite for 2026 Ballon d'Or — Photo: Prepared by Bond.az

Lionel Messi could make history again. The Argentine star is named the main favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi is among the top candidates for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The award's press service announced this.

According to The Athletic, Messi leads the list of favorites after the World Cup group stage. The Argentine scored six goals, becoming the top scorer and breaking the World Cup goal record.

Organizers stated that winning the Ballon d'Or while playing outside Europe is possible. In 2019, Megan Rapinoe won the award while playing for Seattle.

The 39-year-old Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, a record. He last won it in 2023.

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