Lionel Messi has enjoyed one of the best years of his career, even at 39 years old, leading Inter Miami and guiding Argentina to another FIFA World Cup final.
The former Barcelona star has already scored eight goals at the tournament and could also finish as the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. Messi enters the final with 21 World Cup goals, just one behind Kylian Mbappé's record of 22.
Following another remarkable World Cup campaign, one of the biggest questions among fans is whether Messi can win the Ballon d'Or once again.
Can Messi Win the Ballon d'Or This Year?
Yes. Lionel Messi is fully eligible to win the Ballon d'Or and has emerged as the betting favorite to claim a record-extending ninth award.
There were initially some questions about his eligibility because he plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer rather than in Europe. However, Ballon d'Or organizers have made it clear that there have been no geographic restrictions since 2007, meaning players from leagues outside Europe are fully eligible for the award.
Messi's status as the frontrunner has been fueled by another outstanding international campaign, with the Argentina captain leading his country to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
He also remains in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. The Inter Miami star has scored eight goals and trails Kylian Mbappé by just two entering the final against Spain.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Many analysts believe that if Messi leads Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles, it would all but secure him a ninth Ballon d'Or.
Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembélé are also expected to be among the leading contenders for this year's award, but Messi's World Cup performances have put him in a commanding position.
If the 39-year-old wins the Ballon d'Or, it would be his ninth triumph, extending his own record and moving even further ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's five Ballon d'Or titles.
