2026 Ballon d'Or: Messi makes history

Following the announcement of the 2026 Ballon d'Or results in London—where England captain Harry Kane claimed the top prize—Messi finished fifth in the global voting. At 39 years and four months old, the Argentine maestro broke the all-time age record for outfield players in the top five of the award's voting history.

While Messi holds the record among outfield competitors, legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon remains the overall oldest player to finish in the top five. Buffon placed fourth in the 2017 Ballon d'Or voting at the age of 39 years and 10 months.

Messi's top-five finish caps off a memorable 2026 calendar year, during which he captained Argentina to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before falling to Spain in the title match. An eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi continues to redefine longevity at the highest level of international football.