Lionel Messi Nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or, What About Cristiano Ronaldo?

Lionel Messi's name has once again appeared on the Ballon d'Or candidate list. La Pulga is included in the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, announced ahead of the award ceremony that will be held in London, England on 26 October this year.

For Messi, this nomination is far more than just another entry in his career record. The Argentine footballer has now received 17 total Ballon d'Or nominations throughout his professional career.

At 39 years old, Messi still maintains his standing among the world's best footballers. His performances for the Argentina national team and Inter Miami are the core reasons La Pulga is once again in contention for this prestigious individual award.

Messi's Outstanding Performance at the 2026 World Cup

One of the main reasons Messi secured a 2026 Ballon d'Or nomination was his display for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi performed productively throughout the tournament, scoring 8 goals. This record placed him second on the 2026 World Cup top scorers list, finishing only behind Kylian Mbappé who recorded 10 goals.

Beyond individual productivity, Messi also led Argentina all the way to the final match. La Albiceleste's run was ultimately ended after they were defeated by Spain.

This performance proved Messi's continued influence on football's biggest global stage. While he is no longer young, La Pulga's contributions remained a critical part of Argentina's tournament campaign.

Messi's Impressive Form for Inter Miami

Alongside his international performances, Messi's contributions for Inter Miami were another key factor for his nomination.

Messi guided Inter Miami to win the 2025 MLS Cup. He finished as one of the league's most productive players, scoring 29 goals and claiming the competition MVP award.

This achievement is all the more notable as Messi accomplished this feat at 39 years of age.

His consistent goalscoring record, success in delivering trophies for his club, and continued vital role for the Argentina national team are exactly why Messi remains in the Ballon d'Or race.

Cristiano Ronaldo Excluded From Nominee List

Messi's long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo did not appear on the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo's absence from the nominee list has once again brought the decades-long individual award rivalry between the two superstars into public spotlight.

This exclusion comes despite Ronaldo recording 30 goals and 5 assists over the previous season, as well as leading Al Nassr to win the 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League title.

Nevertheless, these achievements were deemed insufficient to earn Ronaldo a place on the 2026 Ballon d'Or candidate list.

This marks the first time in the entire history of their rivalry that only Messi has appeared on the Ballon d'Or nominee shortlist.

Full 30 Nominees for 2026 Ballon d'Or

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid / England)
2. Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona / Spain)
3. Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid / Spain)
4. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
5. Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich / Colombia)
6. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United / Portugal)
7. Gabriel (Arsenal / Brazil)
8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City / Norway)
9. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain / Morocco)
10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich / England)

11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain / Georgia)
12. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
13. Sadio Mané (Al Nassr / Senegal)
14. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain / Brazil)
15. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan / Argentina)
16. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid / France)
17. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal)
18. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami / Argentina)
19. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal)
20. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich / France)

21. Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain / Ecuador)
22. Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah / Mexico)
23. Declan Rice (Arsenal / England)
24. Rodri (Barcelona / Spain)
25. Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain / Spain)
26. William Saliba (Arsenal / France)
27. Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain / Spain)
28. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich / France)
29. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid / Brazil)
30. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal)