Messi Ranks Fifth in 2026 Ballon d'Or Despite Votes

In the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or rankings, Lionel Messi, representing Inter Miami, finished fifth overall despite receiving first-place votes from journalists in six countries: Argentina, Brazil, Belarus, China, Panama, and the United Arab Emirates. Each first-place vote contributed 15 points to Messi's total, resulting in a final tally of 612 points.

The award was won by Harry Kane, who secured 1,055 points, narrowly defeating Kylian Mbappé, who finished second with 1,027 points. Lamine Yamal and Rodri placed third and fourth, with 881 and 726 points, respectively.

Messi's six first-place votes surpassed the total received by 2025 winner Ousmane Dembélé, who did not receive any first-place votes and finished seventh overall with 418 points. The 2026 Ballon d’Or voting was noted as one of the closest in history, with Kane's victory margin over Mbappé being just 28 points.