Lionel Messi is on track for his ninth Ballon d'Or award after a strong start to the World Cup. On June 11, 2026, GOAL's Ballon d'Or Power Rankings placed Messi among the top contenders.
What happened?
The World Cup has kicked off, and Messi's performances have sparked his chances of winning the award. His electric start to the tournament has put him in contention alongside other top players.
Why it matters for Lionel Messi
Messi's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or depend on his performances in the World Cup and the Champions League. With the European season over, the World Cup is a crucial stage for players to showcase their skills.
What comes next?
The World Cup will continue to shape the Ballon d'Or race, with the winner likely to be decided after the tournament. Messi will face tough competition from other top players, including Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
The Ballon d'Or race is a marathon, not a sprint. As of June 11, 2026, Messi is among the top contenders, but the competition is fierce. Other players, such as Bukayo Saka and Ismael Saibari, are also in the running.
Bukayo Saka had a memorable campaign with Arsenal, winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final. However, his form and fitness have been a concern, and he will need to perform well in the World Cup to stay in contention.
Ismael Saibari had a superb season with PSV, scoring 28 goals and winning the Africa Cup of Nations, Eredivisie, and Johan Cruyff Schaal. He is set to join Bayern Munich and will be a key player for Morocco in the World Cup.
Raphinha finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting, but his performances for Barcelona have been impressive. He won La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists.
The World Cup will be a defining moment in the Ballon d'Or race. As the tournament progresses, the contenders will be narrowed down, and the winner will be decided. Messi's chances of winning his ninth Ballon d'Or award depend on his performances in the World Cup and the Champions League.
On October 26, the Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London, and the winner will be announced. Until then, the competition will continue to heat up, with Messi and other top players vying for the prestigious award.
The Ballon d'Or Power Rankings will continue to track the likeliest winners of the Golden Ball. As of June 11, 2026, Messi is among the top contenders, but the competition is fierce, and the winner will be decided after the World Cup.