Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist has said that Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, does not merit winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, following the Argentine legend’s nomination for the accolade.
Messi has won the esteemed Ballon d’Or award a record eight times throughout his career. Now, at the age of 39, he finds himself on a 30-man shortlist for the 2026 award.
The former Argentina international played a pivotal role in leading his national team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where the Albiceleste were defeated by Spain. He excelled with eight goals and four assists during the tournament.
Additionally, he has been performing exceptionally well with his club, Inter Miami, where he shares the MLS Golden Boot with FC Dallas’ Petar Musa.
When questioned about the possibility of Lionel Messi winning the Ballon d’Or this year, Ally McCoist dismissed the notion with a strong statement.
During his appearance on talkSPORT’s Breakfast show, he said, “That has angered me. There is no way on this earth. He (Messi) does not deserve it. It is for the player of the year; it is the Ballon d’Or, which he was not. He has been, but he was not this year.”
When asked to pick his choice of winner if not Messi, he named English and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane as his preferred choice.
He added, “Who are his serious competitors? I acknowledge that Mbappé’s goal-scoring at Real Madrid was remarkable, and his performance at the World Cup was impressive.
“However, Harry Kane has been absolutely phenomenal. I do not accept the argument that one cannot win the award unless they secure the Champions League or have an outstanding World Cup.”
Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, and the rest of the football community will discover the winner on October 26 in London, where the Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place.
2026 Ballon d’Or: Messi does not deserve award – Ally McCoist