Ballon d'Or organisers reveal if Lionel Messi can win in 2026 from MLS

As Lionel Messi continues to dazzle fans with his exceptional skills on the pitch, questions have resurfaced about his eligibility to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. With the Argentine superstar playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, there's a growing debate about whether players from non-European clubs can claim football's most coveted individual honour. At the heart of this discussion is Messi himself, who has already made history by becoming the first men's Ballon d'Or winner representing a club outside Europe.

According to the rules, there is no geographical restriction on eligibility for the Ballon d'Or. Organisers have clarified that players from any league can win the award if their performances over the judging period convince voters. This means Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, remains fully eligible to win future editions of the award while playing in the MLS. The statistics, however, paint a different picture. Since the rule change in 2007, allowing players from non-European clubs to compete, European-based footballers continue to dominate the honour. Most recent winners, including Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, Karim Benzema, Rodri, and Ousmane Dembélé, were all playing for European clubs when they received the trophy.

The Ballon d'Or's evolution mirrors the changing landscape of global football. The award, first introduced in 1956, initially recognised only the best European player competing in a European league. The restriction was gradually relaxed over the years, with the inclusion of players of all nationalities in 1995 and the removal of the European club requirement in 2007. This shift reflects the growing globalisation of football, with top players from various leagues and continents competing at the highest level. The MLS, in particular, has become a hub for high-profile talent, with Messi's move to Inter Miami being a prime example.

While the focus has been on Messi's eligibility, there are broader implications for African football. The removal of geographical restrictions opens up opportunities for African players to compete for the Ballon d'Or. However, the dominance of European-based players in recent years suggests that the competition remains a long shot for many African footballers. Nevertheless, the rules change creates a glimmer of hope for players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has consistently impressed in the Premier League, and Mohamed Salah, who has been a standout performer in the Champions League.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches its conclusion, the Ballon d'Or conversation will continue to gather pace. With Messi remaining among the players who could challenge for the coveted award, can he do it again? Based on the rules and the numbers, it's clear that Messi's path to history is still open. However, the competition will be fierce, and he'll need to continue delivering exceptional performances to convince voters.