The qualification of the Argentine National Team for the final of the 2026 World Cup raised one of the questions that most concerns fans: "Can Lionel Messi win the Ballon d'Or without playing in Europe?". The idea that a player not performing in European football could win the award seems strange, but according to the organization of the award itself, it is not impossible.
In light of the growing debate, the Ballon d'Or published a statement to clear up any doubts and reminded that the regulations no longer limit the award to footballers playing in European clubs. "Yes, it is totally possible to win the Ballon d'Or without playing for a European club. It simply seems more difficult in light of history, but the growing strength of certain leagues outside Europe is changing the rules of the game", explained the organization.
Additionally, it emphasized that "nothing is impossible when it comes to the Ballon d'Or. Anyone, regardless of the league they play in, can, in theory, lift it". As a precedent in the women's category, it recalled the case of Megan Rapinoe, who won the award in 2019 while playing for Seattle Reign.
The entity also reviewed the evolution of the award. Since its creation in 1956 by France Football, the Ballon d'Or exclusively recognized European footballers playing in leagues on the continent. In 1995, it was expanded to players of any nationality competing in Europe and, finally, since 2007 there have been no geographical restrictions: the recognition is for the best player in the world.
On the other hand, a case involving Messi himself was also used as an example. The organization recalled that the Argentine received the Ballon d'Or in 2023 when he was already part of Inter Miami, although it clarified that that edition evaluated the 2022-2023 season, during which he had still played a large part of his matches with Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or while at Inter Miami, although he played more matches that season with PSG
For the 2026 edition, performance will be taken into account between August 2025 and the conclusion of the World Cup. During that period, Messi won the MLS with Inter Miami and was the great leader of the Argentine National Team heading to a new World Cup final. If the Albiceleste manages to defeat Spain next Sunday, the captain could seriously strengthen his candidacy to win the ninth Ballon d'Or of his career.
