Messi’s Ballon d’Or Bid Amid Star-Studded Field | Argentina News

Argentina News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 8, 2026 · 1m

Messi, fresh off retiring from Argentina’s national team, is back in the Ballon d’Or spotlight—his 17th nomination, one shy of Ronaldo’s record—but he’s still the all-time winner with 8 trophies. Despite leading Argentina to another World Cup final and smashing records with 8 goals and 4 assists, he’s seen as an underdog this year against fierce rivals like Kane (70 goals), Mbappé (World Cup’s all-time top scorer), and rising star Yamal. Argentina’s Lautaro Martínez, nicknamed “The Bull,” also makes the list after a stellar club season and a crucial semi-final goal. Meanwhile, goalkeeper…