Argentina's forward Lionel Messi
Eight-time winner Lionel Messi and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal have been named among the 30 nominees for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or.
France Football unveiled the nominees for various categories via its X handle on Tuesday.
Messi, 39, received his 17th career nomination while playing for Inter Miami and Argentina.
The forward, who retired from the Argentina national team in August, continues to add to a record that already includes wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Related News FULL LIST: Clubs with most nominees for 2026 Ballon d’Or Yamal responds to Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or snub Messi agrees to buy Spanish second-tier club Eldense
