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Messi Emerges as Ballon d’Or Favourite Again Despite Playing Outside Europe

5:39 am - July 17, 2026
Sports
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Lionel Messi. Photo: Prensa Libre/France Football

Sports Desk: Lionel Messi has once again emerged as the leading contender for the Ballon d’Or despite no longer playing in Europe, following his decisive performance in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup semifinal victory over England.

Although the 39-year-old did not find the net, he provided two crucial assists as Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored in Argentina’s 2-1 win to book a place in the World Cup final. His display has strengthened his bid for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or.

Unlike fellow contenders Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, who all play for elite European clubs, Messi currently represents Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in the United States. That has reignited the debate over whether a player based outside Europe can realistically win football’s most prestigious individual award.

Under the current Ballon d’Or rules, the answer is yes. There is no requirement for nominees or winners to play for a European club. However, history suggests that winning the award from outside Europe remains exceptionally rare.

Lionel Messi With 8 Ballon d’or

When France Football introduced the Ballon d’Or in 1956, only European players competing in European leagues were eligible. The award was expanded in 1995 to include players of all nationalities, but they still had to play in Europe. That restriction was finally removed in 2007, allowing footballers from any league in the world to compete for the honour.

Despite the rule change, almost every men’s Ballon d’Or winner since 2007 has represented a European club. The only exception has been Messi.

When he received his eighth Ballon d’Or in October 2023, Messi was already playing for Inter Miami, making him the first men’s player to win the award while representing a club outside Europe.

If he secures the Ballon d’Or again this year, Messi would not only extend his record to nine titles but also become the first player to win the award twice while playing for a club outside Europe.