What happened: Journalists from six countries selected Lionel Messi as their top choice for the Ballon d'Or. First-place ballots arrived from Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, China, Panama, and the United Arab Emirates.

Why it matters: The selections follow Messi returning to the Ballon d’Or ballot for 2026, reflecting his ongoing international profile late in his career. His support spanned multiple confederations, drawing top billing across South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

What to watch: Full point totals and complete voting records across all participating nations will follow from award organizers.