Arshavin tips Messi for 2026 Ballon d’Or after World Cup and Inter Miami success
Andrey Arshavin has backed Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that the Argentina captain’s World Cup impact and trophy-winning spell with Inter Miami set him apart in an otherwise open race.
Arshavin picks Messi in open Ballon d’Or race
The former Arsenal attacking midfielder sees no clear leader for the award but believes Messi has done enough to take football’s top individual honour.
- Messi has received a record-extending 17th career Ballon d’Or nomination.
- He scored eight goals while driving Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final.
- Argentina were beaten by Spain in the final.
- Messi is also among a 30-player shortlist featuring Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
Arshavin said Messi’s World Cup performances made the difference, describing the forward as the player who carried Argentina for much of their run to the final. He accepted that the World Cup ended without a title, but insisted Messi had excelled for both club and country.
Inter Miami trophies strengthen Messi’s case
Messi’s club record has also formed a major part of Arshavin’s argument. Inter Miami won their first Major League Soccer championship and added the Campeones Cup, with their captain contributing 21 goals and 11 assists.
Arshavin said that leading Miami to a first league crown made a Ballon d’Or triumph a suitable closing chapter for Messi, particularly with no candidate establishing a decisive advantage over the field.
What happens next
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday, October 26 at the London Palladium Theatre.
- The event will mark the award’s 70th anniversary.
- It will be the first Ballon d’Or presentation staged outside Paris.
- Messi will seek another individual crown against a shortlist packed with younger challengers.
