Ballon d’Or 2026: Messi in top three favourites to win award after Argentina retirement

Lionel Messi, the former Argentina national team star, has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following his recent retirement from international football. The announcement comes after Messi’s final appearance for Argentina in a friendly match against the Benin Republic, where the team secured a 3-0 victory.

At 39 years old, Messi finds himself among the 30 players nominated for this year’s prestigious award. According to Polymarket Sports, released on Thursday, the Inter Miami forward ranks as the third favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, with a 7% chance of taking home the title.

Currently, Messi trails behind Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who sit as the top two favorites. Kane holds a 54% likelihood of winning, while Yamal is at 40%.