Messi, 39, breaks Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or record with stunning 2026 nomination

Lionel Messi has made Ballon d’Or past by becoming the archetypal subordinate to span 20 years betwixt his archetypal and latest nominations. His 2026 inclusion takes his full to 17, 1 down Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi present holds the longevity grounds aft surpassing Ronaldo’s erstwhile 18-year mark. At 39, helium is besides the oldest 21st-century nominee.