Lionel Andrés Messi, the most successful winner in the history of the Ballon d'Or, was not physically present at the grand gala in London.

However, his name and his legacy had the London Palladium buzzing on more than one occasion.

At this year’s ceremony, the Argentine star was once again a key figure in the awards, finishing fifth in the final vote.

At 39 years of age and with a level of consistency that borders on the supernatural, the genius from Rosario enjoyed a season uncharacteristic of a footballer of his age, once again receiving the jury’s endorsement.

This fifth-place finish in the final vote merely confirms a level of consistency unprecedented in the history of football.

Throughout his career, Messi has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or 17 times and has established himself as the second-most nominated player, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (18).

Of those 17 nominations, he has managed to finish in the world’s top five on 16 occasions, missing out on that elite group only on his debut in 2006.

Messi’s Ballon d'Or rankings:

  • 2006: 20th place

  • 2007: 3rd place

  • 2008: 2nd place

  • 2009: 1st place

  • 2010: 1st place

  • 2011: 1st place

  • 2012: 1st place

  • 2013: 2nd place

  • 2014: 2nd place

  • 2015: 1st place

  • 2016: 2nd place

  • 2017: 2nd place

  • 2018: 5th place

  • 2019: 1st place

  • 2021: 1st place

  • 2023: 1st place

  • 2026: 5th place

The keys to a 2025–26 season for the ages

Just when the world thought his time at the top was over, Messi set out to prove the exact opposite with a season of almost mythical statistics and milestones.

Over the past year, the Rosario-born star has forever changed the history of a club in the United States and once again brought the entire planet to a standstill whilst wearing the Albiceleste shirt.

Here are the key highlights of his 5th-place finish in the Ballon d'Or:

  • A historic World Cup performance: He led the Argentina national team to the final of the 2026 World Cup with a level of absolute dominance. He scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in the tournament, carrying the team on his shoulders and proving that his competitive genius remains intact.

  • The king of the MLS: He completely transformed Inter Miami and guided the Florida-based side to their first-ever MLS Cup victory. A watershed moment for North American football.

  • Science-fiction figures: Despite his veteran status, Messi ended the season with statistics that surpass those of most strikers in their prime. He was directly involved in 75 goals throughout the season.

Lionel Messi’s statistics for the 2025–26 season:

  • 49 matches played

  • 45 goals

  • 30 assists

  • 4 yellow cards

  • 0 red cards

  • 1 title

A battle won against time

Lionel Messi’s performance at the 2026 Ballon d'Or represents an impressive milestone in longevity in modern football.

Having just turned 39, the Argentine has once again finished in the top five for world football’s most prestigious award.

A living legend.