Kylian Mbappe ruled out of contention for 2026 Ballon d'Or as World Cup final-bound Lionel Messi puts himself in the mix for ninth Golden Ball

Mbappe missed out on trophies with club and country

Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ Mbappe appeared to have

Defeat against Spain has, however, ensured that more international glory will fall agonisingly out of reach. At club level, the 2025-26 campaign delivered

Those issues will work against Mbappe as the grandest of prizes - such as

He has guided the Albiceleste to another World Cup final, netting eight goals of his own, and is looking to successfully defend a title that was secured at Qatar 2022. A ninth Golden Ball could be passed in his direction if another talismanic performance is produced against Spain.

Messi has moved ahead of Mbappe in Ballon d'Or race

Aliadiere admits that

“Even if on a personal level, I thought he had a great season, scored a ridiculous amount of goals and carried the team for most part of the season. So, individually, he's had a fantastic season but, unfortunately, without winning any trophies we know the rules to be a Ballon d'Or. You've got to win, Champions League or World Cup or Euros.

“So, having not done that, I can't see him being the Ballon d'Or. It's a shame because I thought Harry Kane would have had a good shot if England went all the way as well, but same for him.

“I think it’ll probably be one of Argentina. Messi, if he wins it again, I think everybody's just going to be mesmerised by the age and what he's produced at the World Cup and forget that he plays in MLS for Inter Miami.”

Can Messi win Golden Ball No.9 in 2026?

Messi is now 39 years of age, but has been showing no sign of slowing down. The 2025 campaign in North America saw the evergreen forward savour

More moments of magic have been delivered in the colours of his country, with

Former MLS star and World Cup winner Kleberson has previously told

“It’s different from Ronaldo. He is still playing at a level, but the players around Ronaldo, it’s not the same as Messi has with Argentina. It’s purity. What Portuguese players have and Argentine players have is completely different. That’s why Messi has a lot of chance.

“If he goes and wins the World Cup, 100 per cent he’s going to be up to win the Ballon d’Or again. He’s brilliant. Even Brazilian players and fans look at him and want to see good players win the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup - players that are a joy to see play. Messi is one of those.”

Mbappe watching on as Messi lines up against Yamal

Messi will be

Mbappe will - after taking in a third-place play-off against England - be watching on from afar as the battle for global supremacy unfolds. He is ready to turn his attention back to club matters and trophy bids that will make him