Messi re-enters Ballon d’Or race — and organisers confirm MLS Stars are eligible

Lionel Messi has thrust himself back into contention for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or, with L’Équipe reporting that his “stratospheric” World Cup campaign has revived his candidacy — despite playing his club football outside Europe with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

The official Ballon d’Or organisers have now confirmed what the rules have stated since 2007: any professional footballer worldwide is fully eligible, regardless of league.

The Rule Change That Matters

The Ballon d’Or, established by France Football in 1956, was initially reserved for European players in European leagues. In 1995, eligibility expanded to players of all nationalities — provided they played in Europe. The final restriction was lifted in 2007, opening the award to every professional footballer on the planet.

Organisers recently reiterated on X: “Yes, it’s entirely possible to win the Ballon d’Or without playing for a European club. It just looks harder in light of history, but the growing strength of certain leagues outside Europe are shaking things up.”

A Stratospheric World Cup

Messi’s numbers at the 2026 World Cup have been breathtaking: eight goals and four assists in seven matches heading into Sunday’s final against Spain. He is the joint top scorer (level with Kylian Mbappé) and the second-highest assist provider (behind France’s Michael Olise). He has scored or assisted in every Argentina match at the tournament.

In the semi-final against England, the 39-year-old provided both assists in Argentina’s 2-1 comeback victory.

Only One Precedent — and It’s Messi

Only one men’s player has officially represented a non-European club when lifting the Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi in 2023, after joining Inter Miami. Organisers note, however, that his 2023 victory was largely assessed on his Paris Saint-Germain performances during the 2022-23 season, alongside his World Cup-winning displays for Argentina.

The Favourites

Prediction market Polymarket now rates Messi as the leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or with a 31.7% probability. Other contenders include Lamine Yamal (30.9%), Harry Kane, and reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé. The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026 — for the first time in London.

If Messi leads Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title on Sunday, his claim to a ninth Golden Ball will become virtually impossible to ignore — MLS or not.