Lionel Messi has once again proven that class is permanent after securing a stunning fifth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings. Despite playing his football in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, the legendary Argentine outperformed a host of elite European stars to remain among the world's top five players.
Lionel Messi saw his impressive streak of goal contributions come to an end after a substitute appearance in Inter Miami's 2-0 defeat to Red Bull New York. Manager Kily Gonzalez revealed the Argentine was benched as a precaution following a hectic travel schedule to Spain.