Lionel Messi Ballon d’Or 2026: Mariano Closs Defends His Nomination

Lionel Messi Ballon d’Or 2026 debate has intensified after journalist Mariano Closs defended the Argentine’s inclusion on the 30-man shortlist while addressing questions over Cristiano Ronaldo‘s absence. The two legendary forwards appeared at their sixth FIFA World Cup, but their performances in the tournament were significantly different.

France Football revealed the official shortlist on September 8, with the winner scheduled to be announced on October 26. Messi’s inclusion immediately generated discussion because of his age and the fact that Argentina finished runners-up rather than winning the tournament.

Some critics questioned whether Messi’s nomination was partly motivated by publicity or his extraordinary legacy. Closs strongly rejected that idea and argued that Messi’s performances during the World Cup provided a sporting reason for his place among the nominees.

Mariano Closs defends Messi’s Ballon d’Or nomination

Appearing on ESPN’s Futbol 12, Closs addressed suggestions that Messi’s nomination was designed primarily to generate attention around the Ballon d’Or.

The journalist argued that if France Football’s objective had simply been publicity, Cristiano Ronaldo could also have been included. Instead, Ronaldo was left out after a campaign in which, according to Closs, he did not produce enough significant achievements in either his domestic league or at the World Cup.

Closs also objected to the idea that Messi should be viewed as receiving a ceremonial nomination because of his reputation. He emphasized Messi’s actual performance in the 2026 World Cup as the key reason for his inclusion.

His argument is important because the Ballon d’Or is intended to recognize performance rather than simply career reputation. Messi’s nomination can therefore be assessed through his recent contributions instead of his eight previous victories.

Messi and Ronaldo had contrasting World Cup campaigns

The strongest statistical argument behind Messi’s nomination came from the 2026 World Cup. Argentina reached the final before losing 1-0 to Spain, while Messi produced eight goals and four assists across eight matches.

Ronaldo also participated in his sixth World Cup with Portugal, but his tournament ended earlier. Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the round of 16, with Ronaldo scoring three goals during the competition.

The difference does not mean that Ronaldo’s overall career has diminished in importance. Rather, it explains why the two players were evaluated differently for this particular Ballon d’Or cycle.

Why Messi’s World Cup performance strengthened his case

Argentina’s failure to defend the World Cup title could initially appear to weaken Messi’s candidacy. However, individual awards do not necessarily require a player to win the biggest team trophy.

Messi’s eight goals placed him among the leading scorers of the tournament, while his four assists demonstrated that his contribution went beyond finishing chances.

His performance also added another historic achievement to a career already filled with records. At 39, remaining one of the most influential players in a World Cup is itself a significant part of the discussion surrounding his nomination.

That combination of goals, assists and Argentina’s run to the final provides a clear footballing argument for his place on the shortlist.

Ronaldo’s omission has a different explanation

Ronaldo’s absence from the shortlist has naturally attracted attention because he has been one of the defining figures of the Ballon d’Or era.

However, the award is based on a particular evaluation period rather than a player’s complete career. Ronaldo’s 2025-26 season did not provide the same statistical or team-success argument as some of the other candidates.

He finished the season only a couple of goals short of the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot. Portugal were also eliminated in the round of 16 at the World Cup, with Spain eventually going on to win the competition.

Those factors help explain why the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not selected despite his enormous historical significance.

Messi’s MLS season also helped his nomination

Messi’s World Cup campaign was not the only factor strengthening his candidacy. His club form with Inter Miami also contributed to his case.

The Argentine won the MLS Golden Boot during the previous season, adding a major individual scoring achievement to his international performances.

That combination gives Messi a more complete argument than simply relying on his reputation. His nomination can be supported through both club-level production and international performance.

Messi moves closer to Ronaldo’s nomination record

The 2026 shortlist also added another remarkable milestone to the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry.

Messi has now been nominated for the Ballon d’Or 17 times, moving within one nomination of Ronaldo’s record of 18.

His longevity is particularly notable because his first nomination came in 2006. The 2026 nomination therefore represents a 20-year span between his first and latest appearances on the shortlist.

That longevity provides another indication of Messi’s remarkable consistency at the highest level. Few players have remained relevant to the Ballon d’Or conversation across such a long period.

Messi still leads Ronaldo in Ballon d’Or wins

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has historically been measured through Ballon d’Or victories as well as nominations.

Messi remains the record-holder with eight Ballon d’Or wins. Ronaldo has won the award five times, with his most recent triumph coming in 2017.

The figures underline an interesting contrast. Ronaldo still holds the advantage for total nominations, but Messi has a clear lead in actual Ballon d’Or victories and has now returned to the shortlist once again.

Could Messi win a ninth Ballon d’Or?

Being nominated is one thing; winning the award is another challenge. Messi faces strong competition from players who enjoyed outstanding campaigns for both club and country.

Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, Rodri and several other leading stars are also part of the 30-man shortlist. Their cases involve major trophies, impressive statistics and influential international performances.

Messi therefore cannot rely solely on his legacy. His strongest argument will need to come from what he actually produced during the award period.

The World Cup could be particularly influential because Argentina reached the final and Messi played a central role in that run. His eight goals and four assists provide voters with substantial individual evidence.

Why the Messi-Ronaldo comparison remains relevant

Even though Ronaldo is not nominated this year, the comparison between the two icons remains unavoidable because their careers have defined the modern Ballon d’Or era.

Both players reached their sixth World Cup in 2026, an extraordinary achievement in itself. Yet their tournament outcomes and individual performances produced very different narratives.

Messi reached the final and delivered eight goals and four assists, while Ronaldo’s Portugal exited in the round of 16 and he scored three times. Those results help explain why Messi remained in contention while Ronaldo was omitted.

The situation also demonstrates why previous awards cannot automatically determine a future shortlist. A player’s historic achievements matter to their legacy, but the current award cycle focuses heavily on recent performances.

What could decide the Ballon d’Or 2026 winner?

The final decision will likely involve several factors rather than one statistic. Individual production, performances in major competitions and team achievements can all influence the voting process.

• World Cup performance: Messi’s eight goals and four assists give him a powerful international case.
• Team success: Argentina reached the final, although Spain won the tournament.
• Club performance: Messi’s MLS Golden Boot strengthens his overall profile.
• Competition: Mbappe, Dembele, Kane, Rodri and other elite players also have strong cases.
• Individual influence: Voters will have to assess each candidate’s overall contribution rather than relying only on goal totals.

Final Verdict

Mariano Closs’ defense of Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or 2026 nomination is based primarily on performance rather than reputation. Messi’s eight goals and four assists helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, while his MLS Golden Boot added further weight to his candidacy.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission, meanwhile, can be understood through his more modest World Cup impact and the absence of a strong enough overall case during the evaluation period. His five Ballon d’Or victories and record 18 nominations remain part of football history, but they do not guarantee inclusion every year.

Messi now stands one nomination behind Ronaldo’s all-time mark and could potentially add a ninth Ballon d’Or to his record eight wins. Whether he actually takes the award will depend on how voters compare his campaign with the impressive achievements of the other nominees.