Lionel Messi has made the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist at 39 after another standout season for Inter Miami and Argentina. The forward scored 45 goals and supplied 30 assists in 49 appearances for the MLS club, then scored eight goals as Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi’s age sets his nomination apart from the younger players competing for the award. He entered the 2025-26 season at 38 and turned 39 during the campaign. His continued place among the nominees comes as players such as Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal lead the next generation of Ballon d’Or contenders.
At Inter Miami, Messi helped the club win the MLS title while producing 75 goal contributions. The Argentine also continued to provide goals and assists across the season rather than relying on one competition to support his numbers.
Argentina then gave Messi another opportunity to perform at a major international tournament. He scored eight times at the 2026 World Cup as the team reached the final. That run added an international dimension to his season after his domestic campaign with Inter Miami.
Zinedine Zidane has backed Messi for the award. The former Real Madrid manager said, “I would vote for Messi 100 times,” while praising his ability to remain among the world’s best players at 39. Zidane also said he would not be surprised if Messi won the Ballon d’Or.
The Frenchman also gave his view on the long-running debate over the greatest player in football history. Zidane said anyone who still doubts Messi’s status does not understand football. His comments came while he discussed the Argentine’s continued performances at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Mbappé and Yamal give the shortlist two prominent alternatives. Mbappé brings his established record at the top level, while Yamal represents one of the youngest players competing for the prize. Their inclusion makes the final vote a contest between different generations of elite forwards.
Ballon d’Or voters will assess performances during the award’s qualifying period when selecting the winner. Individual displays, team achievements and performances in major competitions all form part of the voting process. Messi’s season gives voters performances from both club and international football to assess.
The 2026 ceremony will take place in London on October 26. Organisers will stage the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or outside Paris for the first time. Messi’s nomination means he will remain in contention until the winner is announced.
The award would mark another milestone in Messi’s career if he wins it at 39. He previously won the Ballon d’Or eight times, with his most recent victory coming in 2023. His 2026 nomination gives him another opportunity to add to that record.
