A familiar prize, a new possibility

The last time Lionel Messi lifted the Ballon d’Or, it felt like the perfect epilogue. Crowned in 2023 after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, the eight-time winner seemed to have closed the greatest individual chapter the game has ever seen.

Yet, remarkably, the door may not be shut.

As football begins to look ahead to 2026, a scenario is emerging that could place the Inter Miami star back in the conversation for an award no one has ever won nine times.

World Cup ambition still alive

Messi has not confirmed whether he will lead Argentina in their title defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the possibility alone carries enormous weight.

According to Kleberson, World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, Argentina’s chances remain deeply tied to Messi’s presence. “Argentina has more chance of winning the World Cup with Messi than any other country,” he told GOAL. “He is still playing at a very good level.”

For Kleberson, the difference lies not just in Messi’s quality, but in his environment. “It’s different from Ronaldo. The players around Messi with Argentina are not the same as what Portugal has. That’s why Messi has a lot of chance,” he explained.

What would seal a ninth Ballon d’Or

The formula, in Kleberson’s view, is straightforward. Another World Cup triumph would almost inevitably reopen the Ballon d’Or race.

“If he goes and wins the World Cup, 100 percent he’s going to be up to win the Ballon d’Or again,” he said. “He’s brilliant. He’s the kind of player everyone wants to see winning these awards because he’s a joy to watch.”

Messi’s impact at major tournaments has defined his legacy. From decisive goals in knockout matches to calm leadership on the biggest stage, his influence often peaks when the stakes are highest.

Still setting the standard in MLS

Away from the international spotlight, Messi has continued to dominate domestically. After arriving in the United States in 2023, he led Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory in 2025, while also collecting Golden Boot and MVP honors.

Those performances have reinforced the idea that age has not diminished his influence. On the contrary, his consistency in MLS has strengthened the narrative of a player still capable of deciding seasons and tournaments.

Kleberson, who also played in MLS with Philadelphia Union, believes Messi’s presence has elevated the league’s global standing and could attract more elite names in the years ahead.

Longevity without precedent

Now under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, Messi continues to defy conventional timelines. His international record stands at 196 caps and 115 goals, numbers that underline both durability and sustained excellence.

Whether or not he chooses to chase one final World Cup, the mere possibility of Messi lifting football’s greatest trophy again is enough to reignite the Ballon d’Or debate.

A ninth Ballon d’Or once seemed unthinkable. With Lionel Messi, it may simply require one more defining summer on the world’s biggest stage.

If history has taught football anything, it is this: writing off Messi has never been a winning bet.

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