Ballon d’Or 2026: 3 shocking truths about Lionel Messi’s return to the race after the World Cup

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has just taken an unexpected turn. While the football world expected to see Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane lift the ultimate individual award after a World Cup they were supposed to dominate, it is an old lion roaring back into the conversation. Lionel Messi, author of an absolutely absurd world tournament with Argentina, returns in force to the debate, upsetting all predictions.

Why is Messi’s coronation suddenly plausible after the failure of the big names?

The resounding failure of Kylian Mbappe with Paris Saint-Germain and Harry Kane with England during the last World Cup has created a huge void. No contender has established themselves as the natural heir to the throne. Messi, for his part, carried the Albiceleste on his shoulders, delivering clinical performances in crucial moments. This absurd tournament could well be the calling card that changes everything for the journalists’ vote.

A favorable context for Argentina

The context of the 2026 World Cup was one of great upsets. The announced favorites fell one after another. In this chaos, Messi’s consistency and genius shone. His ability to make his team win in the most tense moments recalls the finest hours of his career. The absence of overwhelming dominance by a European player opens a unique window of opportunity for La Pulga.

The weight of the record and the narrative

The Ballon d’Or is not just a simple addition of statistics. It is a narrative. Messi’s is powerful. After winning the 2022 World Cup, seeing him perform again at 38 in a context of Argentine reconstruction is a strong argument. Voters might be tempted to crown one of the greatest one last time, especially if his club output with Inter Miami remains high. The narrative is too strong to be ignored.

Nevertheless, everything remains open. If a player like Kylian Mbappe explodes in the Champions League, or if Erling Haaland racks up goals, the situation could change. But for now, Messi’s candidacy is the strongest and most emotional. After a 2026 World Cup full of twists and turns, football could offer a final fairy tale chapter. The FC Barcelona universe watches closely, knowing that Messi’s story remains intrinsically linked to the history of the Catalan club.

The debate is on. The club season will be decisive, but the precedent is historic: for the first time in years, the queen award has no undisputed European favorite.

« “Never bury Lionel Messi. What he showed at the World Cup is simply supernatural. In a race without a great dominator, his aura and recent record automatically place him back in the top 3. This is a scenario no one had envisioned six months ago.” »

Who are the favorites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

After the World Cup, Lionel Messi joined the race alongside Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. The race is considered the most open of the decade.

Why was Messi’s tournament absurd?

Messi was decisive in the key moments of the 2026 World Cup, carrying Argentina to unexpected heights despite a rebuilding squad, reigniting his duel with the European heavyweights.

Expert

Rédacteur en Chef

Moussa JDF

Rédacteur en chef et analyste de données sportives. Passionné par les tactiques et le mercato, je décortique l'actualité des grands championnats européens en temps réel pour vous offrir une information rapide, fiable et sans filtre.

✍️