Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi is set for a potential career finale in the 2026 World Cup final as Argentina faces Spain, with speculation mounting over his ninth Ballon d’Or. A symbolic showdown looms against Spain’s Lamine Yamal, once bathed by Messi as an infant.

Spain defeated France 2-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, securing a place in the final for the first time since 2010.

Ballon d'Or organisers have reaffirmed that players outside Europe are eligible to win the award,强调ing inclusivity despite Europe's historical dominance in the prize's history.