Ballon d’Or 2026: Messi in top three favourites to win award after Argentina retirement

Former Argentina international, Lionel Messi, has landed in the top three favourites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after retiring from his country’s national team this week.

Recall that Messi played his last match for Argentina as they defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in an international farewell friendly encounter.

The 39-year-old was among the 30 players shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or this year.

However, according to Polymarket Sports on Thursday, the Inter Miami forward is now the third favourite to win the Ballon d’Or with 7% chances.

Messi is behind number one favourite Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Kane has 54% chances to win the Ballon d’Or, while Yamal has 40% chances.

The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced later this month in London.