The announcement came as the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or was officially revealed on Tuesday. Messi’s inclusion expands his career nomination span to two full decades, stretching from 2006 to 2026. This 20-year gap between a player’s first and latest nomination is the longest in the history of the award. Ronaldo previously held this distinction with an 18-year span between 2004 and 2022. Behind them lie Luka Modric at 16 years, Karim Benzema at 15 years, and Paolo Maldini at 14 years.

Alongside setting the record for longevity, Messi has also become the oldest nominee of the twenty-first century. At 39, he surpasses Ronaldo’s 2022 benchmark, when the Portuguese forward earned a nomination at age 37. The all-time record, however, belongs to Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural trophy in 1956 at the age of 41.

Messi’s journey with the Ballon d’Or began in 2006 as a teenager at Barcelona, securing just two votes in his debut appearance. Over the ensuing years, he claimed the prestigious accolade a record eight times—in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Ronaldo sits second with five trophies. While Ronaldo maintains a narrow lead in total career nominations at 18 to Messi’s 17, the Argentine now stands alone regarding competitive longevity at the highest level.

Operating outside European club football, Messi stands as the sole representative from Major League Soccer on the 30-man shortlist following a successful campaign with Inter Miami, where he secured a domestic double. His nomination also follows an impressive international performance, having led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final with eight goals and four assists.

While contenders such as Rodri, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal lead the race for the top prize this year, Messi’s 20-year arc from a teenage prospect to a 39-year-old nominee remains a historic feat in modern sport.