- Messi Emerges Favourite For Ninth Ballon d’Or After Firing Argentina Into World Cup Final
- The Argentina captain now tops prediction markets ahead of Lamine Yamal.
- Sunday’s World Cup final could determine the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has strengthened his bid for a record extending ninth Ballon d’Or after inspiring the Albiceleste to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with another standout performance against England.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the 39 year old produced two assists as Argentina defeated England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi final, booking a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain and boosting his chances of claiming football’s most prestigious individual honour.
Messi’s latest display has significantly reshaped the Ballon d’Or race, with his performances at the World Cup adding to an impressive campaign that has reignited expectations of another Golden Ball triumph.
Messi Leads Ballon d’Or Predictions
Following Argentina’s qualification for the World Cup final, prediction platform Polymarket has placed Messi as the leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
According to the platform’s latest projections, the Argentine legend has a 31.7 percent chance of winning the award later this year.
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is ranked second with a 30.9 percent probability after an outstanding season for both club and country.
England captain Harry Kane occupies third place with a 13.5 percent chance, while reigning Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele has dropped to a 3.1 percent probability following France’s elimination from the World Cup.
Although prediction markets reflect traders’ expectations rather than the official voting process, the latest projections highlight the significant impact the World Cup has had on the race for the prestigious award.
World Cup Final Could Decide Winner
Messi’s influential display against England further strengthened his Ballon d’Or credentials, with the veteran playmaker continuing to produce decisive performances on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina will take on Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, giving Messi another opportunity to enhance his claim for a historic ninth Ballon d’Or.
Victory over the reigning European champions would not only see Argentina successfully defend the World Cup title but could also cement Messi’s status as the leading favourite for the award.
Yamal, Kane Still In The Race
Despite Messi moving into pole position, the Ballon d’Or contest remains open.
Yamal has enjoyed an exceptional campaign with Barcelona and has been instrumental in Spain’s journey to the World Cup final, making him one of Messi’s strongest challengers.
Kane also remains in contention after another prolific season with Bayern Munich and England, despite the Three Lions’ semi final exit.
Dembele’s hopes, however, have suffered a major setback after France failed to reach the World Cup final.
Ballon d’Or Ceremony Set For October
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced on October 26 during the 70th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony.
The event, jointly organised by France Football and UEFA, will be held in London for the first time since the award was established in 1956.
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