League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lionel Messi finishes fifth in 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 12:50 AM

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

Lionel Messi finishes fifth in 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings

Summary

Lionel Messi has secured a fifth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings, held at the London Palladium on October 26. Despite playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi outperformed several top European players, highlighting his sustained excellence. He had a standout performance at the 2026 World Cup, contributing eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina to the final. His absence from the London ceremony coincided with his recognition in Oviedo with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Harry Kane won the award, ending a 25-year drought for English players.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi ranked fifth in the 2026 Ballon d'Or after being left off the shortlist last year.
•He scored eight goals and provided four assists in the 2026 World Cup.
•Argentina reached the final but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
•Harry Kane won the award, becoming the first English winner since 2001.
•Messi was recognized in Spain with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

Latest Updates

12:50 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi secures remarkable Ballon d’Or finish as Inter Miami superstar defies age in 2026 rankings

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi has once again proven that class is permanent after securing a stunning fifth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings. Despite playing his football in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, the legendary Argentine outperformed a host of elite European stars to remain among the world's top five players.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Inter Miami Manchester City Barcelona Bayern Munich Paris Saint-Germain MLS Soccer