16.7.2026 / 9:28

Argentina national team players celebrate the victory over England/Argentine Football Association

Argentina national team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup final not only brought Lionel Messi closer to another World Cup triumph - it also made him the leading candidate to win the Ballon d'Or.

According to betting platform Polymarket data, the Argentine national team star became the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or with 40 percent - ahead of Lamine Yamal (now at 33 percent), who had been the favorite before the turbulent semifinal. Harry Kane sits in third place with 17 percent.

Messi most recently won the Ballon d'Or in 2023 after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. That victory marked his eighth such award - an all-time record - and three more than Cristiano Ronaldo, who ranks second.

Unstoppable. Messi/GettyImages

Ballon d'Or favorites, according to Polymarket

Lionel Messi - 40%
Lamine Yamal - 33%
Harry Kane - 17%
Ousmane Dembele - 3%
Kylian Mbappe - 2%
Michael Olise - 1%
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - 1%
Lautaro Martinez - 1%
Pedri - 1%

More on the same topic:
Lionel Messi
World Cup 2026
World Cup
Argentina national team