Lionel Messi has made Ballon d’Or history by becoming the first player to span 20 years between his first and latest nominations. His 2026 inclusion takes his total to 17, one behind Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi now holds the longevity record after surpassing Ronaldo’s previous 18-year mark. At 39, he is also the oldest 21st-century nominee.
Lionel Messi has made Ballon d’Or history by becoming the first player to span 20 years between his first and latest nominations. His 2026 inclusion takes his total to 17, one behind Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi now holds the longevity record after surpassing Ronaldo’s previous 18-year mark. At 39, he is also the oldest 21st-century nominee.
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