Despite turning 39, Messi achieves exceptional feat in Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi continues to make history in the Ballon d'Or, securing a spot among the top 10 players for the 2026 edition.

Lionel Messi is now 39 years and four months old, making him the second oldest player to appear in the top ten of the Ballon d'Or rankings, after Italian Gianluigi Buffon.

Gianluigi Buffon achieved this milestone in 2017, when he appeared in the list of the top 10 players at the age of 39 years and 10 months, thus retaining the record as the oldest player to achieve this.

Lionel Messi's inclusion among the top ten in the 2026 edition confirms his presence among the elite players in the world, despite his advancing age, adding another achievement to his illustrious record in the most prestigious individual award in football.