Messi and Lautaro Martínez named on Ballon d’Or shortlist | OneFootball

Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez have been named among the Ballon d’Or nominees, and Messi could claim the prize for a ninth time.

As reported by SuperDepor.com, France Football has shortlisted Messi, who turned 39 during the 2026 World Cup. He has previously won the award eight times in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

For Inter Miami last season he delivered a standout campaign, winning the Major League Soccer title. In 34 matches he registered 35 goals and 23 assists.

At the 2026 World Cup he was influential as Argentina reached the final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. Messi scored eight goals, second only to Kylian Mbappé’s 10, and added four assists.

That return places him among the leading contenders again, though some voters may weigh his case against playing in MLS, considered a lower level than Europe’s major leagues.

Lautaro Martínez is also on the shortlist after a strong season with Inter Milan, who won Serie A. In that competition he scored 17 goals and supplied six assists.

At the World Cup he scored against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. He then hit a stoppage-time 2-1 winner versus England in the semi-finals to send Argentina to the final. He also converted a penalty against Jordan in the group stage.

Source: SuperDepor.com

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