Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d'Or, Messi Absent for Youth Event
Harry Kane claimed the 2026 Ballon d'Or at the London Palladium on October 27, ending a 25-year wait for an Englishman to win the prestigious award. The 33-year-old striker scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, leading the team to a domestic league and cup double.
His total for the season reached 73 goals, including six at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals. Lionel Messi, who finished fifth in the voting, was notably absent from the ceremony despite being shortlisted for the 17th time.
His absence was attributed to a demanding schedule, including travel to Spain for the Princess of Asturias Award and a match in New York with Inter Miami. Instead of attending the Ballon d'Or, Messi returned to Miami to oversee the Messi Cup, a youth tournament he founded, which featured 16 under-16 teams from various clubs.
Messi was seen attending a match between UE Cornellà and Boca Juniors during the tournament.
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