Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami CF superstar, has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award. The prestigious ceremony is scheduled for October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre. Messi notably led Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, setting multiple tournament records. Already the most decorated player with 46 trophies and a record eight Ballon d'Ors, Messi faces strong competition for the 2026 award from Rodri, the 2026 World Cup champion from Spain, French star Kylian Mbappé, Norwegian icon Erling Haaland, and England's leading goalscorer Harry Kane. At 39, Messi continues to perform at an elite level, evidenced by his 2025 MLS Cup-winning campaign with Inter Miami CF. He recorded 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 regular-season matches, winning the MLS Golden Boot. In the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, he set a league record with 15 goal contributions and was named MLS Cup 2025 MVP as Inter Miami secured their first league title by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1.