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19 years at the summit: Lionel Messi records historic 16th Ballon d’Or Top 5 finish in 2026

At 39, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi finished 5th in the 2026 Ballon d'Or, marking his 16th career Top 5 finish nearly 20 years after his 2007 debut.

By Parag J Kalita · Everything Barca

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 4:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Lionel Messi recorded a historic 16th Ballon d'Or top-five finish by placing fifth in the 2026 voting.
Harry Kane won the prestigious award ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Rodri.
At 39 years and four months, Messi became the third-oldest player ever to reach the top 10.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Lionel Messi has recorded his 16th career top-five finish at the 2026 Ballon d'Or gala held at the London Palladium, placing fifth at the age of 39. Harry Kane won the award, with Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Rodri completing the top four ahead of the Argentine forward.

Everything Barca argues that Messi finishing fifth was an injustice following his 25 goals for Inter Miami and strong World Cup campaign. The result marks 19 years since Messi's first top-five finish in 2007, making him the third-oldest player to finish in the top 10.

Read the full article on Everything Barca

19 years at the summit: Lionel Messi records historic 16th Ballon d’Or Top 5 finish in 2026

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