Lionel Messi has made a remarkable return to the Ballon d’Or Top 5 at the age of 39. The Inter Miami superstar finished ahead of defending champion Ousmane Dembele and several other major stars.
Lionel Messi Causes a Huge Surprise in the 2026 Ballon d’Or Rankings
Lionel Messi has produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 Ballon d’Or after finishing fifth in the final rankings at the age of 39.
The results were announced at the awards ceremony in London on October 26, where Harry Kane was crowned the winner.
However, Messi’s position quickly attracted attention as the Inter Miami superstar finished ahead of several of Europe’s biggest names.
Messi finishes ahead of major European stars
Despite playing in Major League Soccer, Messi secured fifth place in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings.
The Argentine legend finished behind only four players:
- 1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- 2. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- 3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- 4. Rodri (Barcelona)
- 5. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Even more surprisingly, Messi finished ahead of Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, who dropped to seventh place.
He also ranked above Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise and Jude Bellingham.
Messi makes an incredible return at 39
Messi’s fifth-place finish is even more impressive because he was not nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2024 or 2025.
After two years away from the shortlist, the eight-time winner has returned directly to the world’s Top 5.
The Inter Miami captain enjoyed an outstanding period for both club and country.
According to Ballon d’Or statistics, Messi recorded 45 goals and 30 assists in 49 appearances during the 2025/26 season.
He also played an important role in helping Inter Miami win their first MLS Cup in 2025.
World Cup performances strengthen Messi’s position
Messi also impressed at the 2026 World Cup, where he helped Argentina reach another final.
The legendary forward scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament.
Although Argentina eventually lost to Spain in the final, Messi’s performances showed that he could still compete at the highest international level.
His achievements helped him return to the Ballon d’Or rankings after two years without a nomination.
Messi continues to make history
Messi remains the most successful player in Ballon d’Or history with eight titles.
His latest nomination was the 17th of his career, putting him just one behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 18 nominations.
However, Messi did not attend the 2026 ceremony in London. Instead, he remained in Miami for football-related activities and preparations.
At 39 years old, Messi has once again proved that age is not stopping him from competing with the biggest stars in world football.
His fifth-place finish may not bring another Ballon d’Or trophy, but it is another remarkable achievement in his legendary career.
