History made! Lionel Messi, 39, breaks Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or record and sets new mark with stunning 2026 nomination

2026 Ballon d’Or: Messi does not deserve award – Ally McCoist

Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist has said that Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, does not merit winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, following the Argentine legend’s nomination for the accolade. Messi has won the esteemed Ballon d’Or award a record eight times throughout his career. Now, at the age of 39, he finds himself on a […] 2026 Ballon d’Or: Messi does not deserve award – Ally McCoist

History made! Lionel Messi, 39, breaks Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or record and sets new mark with stunning 2026 nomination

Lionel Messi has made Ballon d’Or history by becoming the first player to span 20 years between his first and latest nominations. His 2026 inclusion takes his total to 17, one behind Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi now holds the longevity record after surpassing Ronaldo’s previous 18-year mark. At 39, he is also the oldest 21st-century nominee.

Historic record: 20 years later, Messi defies the passage of time and makes history again with the Ballon d'Or

The Argentine is once again among the leading figures of world football and adds another chapter to a career that seems to have no expiration date.

Lionel Messi Nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or as Argentine Eyes Ninth Award - OloriSuperGal

Lionel Messi nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after another remarkable campaign with Inter Miami and Argentina. France Football announced the 30-player shortlist on September 8, confirming Messi’s return among football’s elite contenders. The Argentine superstar enters the race after delivering impressive numbers throughout the 2025-26 season. Messi recorded 75 goals and assists across 49...

Messi earns record 17th Ballon d'Or nomination 20 years after first recognition

Leo Messi is back in the Ballon d’Or conversation. The former Argentina captain, who recently retired from international football, has been nominated again at 39. It is exactly 20 years since his first nod in 2006. The list was announced by Fabrizio Romano on social media, with a photo of