Can Lionel Messi Win the Ballon d'Or Without Playing in Europe? World Cup Brilliance Sparks Fresh Debate
Lionel Messi's brilliant performances for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup have revived the Ballon d'Or debate. With France Football allowing players outside Europe to compete, Messi's record ninth title is now a realistic possibility.
July 18, 2026: The Ballon d'Or debate always gathers momentum during a FIFA World Cup, but this year, the spotlight is firmly on Lionel Messi. The Argentine legend no longer plays in Europe, leading many fans to ask a familiar question: Can a player win the Ballon d'Or while representing a club outside Europe's top leagues?
The answer appears to be yes.
France Football, the magazine that presents the Ballon d'Or, has reignited the discussion with a feature on its official website titled, "Is it possible to win the Ballon d'Or without playing for a European club?"
Interestingly, the feature uses Cristiano Ronaldo's image, but many football fans believe the real focus of the discussion is Messi, who has been in sensational form for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ballon d'Or has changed significantly over the years. When the award was introduced in 1956, it was limited to European players playing in European clubs. In 1995, eligibility expanded to players from any country, but they still had to play in Europe.
That restriction was removed in 2007. Since then, the Ballon d'Or has been awarded to the best footballer in the world, regardless of the league or country in which they play.
🚨Luis de la Fuente was asked on the Ballon d’Or race between Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Rodri.
🎙️ Reporter: “Luis, there’s growing debate about the Ballon d’Or. Some believe Lionel Messi deserves it after leading Argentina at the World Cup, while others believe Lamine Yamal… https://t.co/yzLxSmXPQr pic.twitter.com/JrJk6sWtZ0
— SethOfficial (@UTD_Seth001) July 17, 2026
Messi's World Cup Form Strengthens His Ballon d'Or Chances
Messi last won the Ballon d'Or in 2023 while representing Inter Miami. However, that award was based largely on his performances for Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina during the 2022-23 season, including his World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Since 2022, Ballon d'Or winners have been selected based on performances across the European football season, from August to July, rather than the calendar year.
Following his move to Major League Soccer, Messi did not appear on the Ballon d'Or shortlist in the following editions. In men's football, very few players representing clubs outside Europe have remained strong contenders for the award.
However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has changed the conversation.
Messi has delivered another remarkable tournament for Argentina, scoring eight goals and providing four assists to lead his team into the World Cup final. He is currently the leading contender for the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament's best player, and is also at the top of the Golden Boot standings.
His club form has also been impressive. Across Inter Miami and Argentina, Messi has scored 45 goals during the current Ballon d'Or evaluation period, strengthening his case for another historic honour.
With the Ballon d'Or now recognising the world's best player regardless of where they play, Messi's outstanding performances at both club and international level have put him firmly back in contention.
If he maintains this form through the remainder of the season, the Argentine captain could make history once again by winning a record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or, despite playing outside European football.
