Messi Earns 17th Ballon d’Or Nomination, One Behind Ronaldo’s Record

Lionel Messi has received his 17th career Ballon d’Or nomination after France Football released its 30-man shortlist. The Argentina and Inter Miami forward is now one nomination behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains on 18 after missing this year’s shortlist. Messi returned to the list a year after both players were absent from the nominations for the first time since 2003. Messi’s nomination follows a strong 2026 World Cup campaign for Argentina, where he scored eight goals before the team’s elimination. He will compete with stars including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Lamine Yamal.

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