Ballon d’Or 2026: Messi in top three favourites to win award after Argentina retirement

Former Argentina international, Lionel Messi, has landed successful the apical 3 favourites to triumph the 2026 Ballon d’Or aft retiring from his country’s nationalist squad this week.

Recall that Messi played his past lucifer for Argentina arsenic they defeated Benin Republic 3-0 successful an planetary farewell affable encounter.

The 39-year-old was among the 30 players shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or this year.

However, according to Polymarket Sports connected Thursday, the Inter Miami guardant is present the 3rd favourite to triumph the Ballon d’Or with 7% chances.

Messi is down fig 1 favourite Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Kane has 54% chances to triumph the Ballon d’Or, portion Yamal has 40% chances.

The victor of the Ballon d’Or volition beryllium announced aboriginal this period successful London.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Messi successful apical 3 favourites to triumph grant aft Argentina retirement