Lionel Messi nominated for 2026 Ballon d'Or: Has any other player been nominated while playing in MLS?

Lionel Messi was named to the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, following an acclaimed run with Inter Miami and a central role for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. France Football released the nominations on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Messi is the only active MLS player on the ballot, in a field topped by 10 PSG players and featuring European clubs plus Saudi Pro League stars Julián Quiñones and Sadio Mané. His Inter Miami output included the 2025 MLS Cup after tallying 43 goals and 25 assists in 49 matches, and he entered 2026 with 21 goals and 11 assists through 24 games. The ceremony moves to The London Palladium on Monday, Oct. 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET.