Messi finishes fifth in 2026 Ballon d'Or, ending record ninth-title bid

goal.com —

Lionel Messi finished fifth in the 2026 Ballon d'Or, ending his bid for a record ninth title after an eight-time winning career. The 39-year-old skipped the London ceremony. Messi's placement followed a standout World Cup where he scored eight goals, though Argentina lost the final to Spain. He retired from international football this summer with 126 goals in 208 matches. The Inter Miami forward scored 40 goals and provided 27 assists in 41 matches, but his absence from European leagues limited his ranking. Harry Kane won the award, with Messi's 17 nominations including 14 top-three finishes.


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