Argentinian newspaper Ole claims Lionel Messi should have won the Ballon dOr and insisted Harry Kanes triumph wont remove the stain of Englands World Cup semi-final defeat.In an editorial, the newspaper suggested 2026 was a year in which the eight-time winner most deserved the award due to his exploits at the summer showpiece with Messi leading his country to the final where they lost to Spain.Argentina beat England in a bad-tempered last-four clash after two late goals gave Lionel Scalonis side a 2-1 victory.Messi, who did not travel to London for the ceremony, opting instead to attend the Messi Cup, an international youth tournament that carries his name, finished fifth in the voting, behind Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal and Rodri.He had returned to the shortlist for the first time in three years, at the age of 39, after also starring for Inter Miami, helping them win a maiden MLS Cup in December.Ole commented: Kane didnt win the World Cup but achieved personal recognition. Among the merits of the 33-year-old striker we must recognise the incredible figure of 73 goals and 81 goal involvements [in 2026] between Bayern Munich and England.His performance at the World Cup also allowed him to leave Gary Lineker behind as Englands top scorer in the history of the tournament. With 14 goals to his name, he consolidated an outstanding trajectory that already had a highlight in Russia 2018, an edition in which he claimed the Golden Boot with six goals.Although the stain of having been defeated by Messi and Argentina, in the semi-finals in 2026, is one that will never be removed.The best will always be Leo MessiThe article concluded: With as many reasons as the other stars to have been chosen winner of this Ballon dOr, the scoring record of a player with an exemplary profile was enough to give him the edge in one of the most even editions of recent times.But for us, the best is and always will be Leo Messi. The World Cup, once again, gave us evidence why.Messi recently retired from international football but continues to be a force in Major League Soccer.He has a league-leading 25 goals this season but was left on the bench for the weekend defeat at the New York Red Bulls after making a trans-Atlantic dash back from Spain where he received the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.Messi is expected to return to the starting line-up when Miami face Cincinnati on Wednesday night. Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team FC Bayern Munich Harry Kane Inter Miami CF Lionel Messi If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Bayern coach gives Vincent Kompany update: Hes very calm Ben Miller 27th October, 2026 Guti reveals conspiracy theory as Kanes Ballon dOr success falls flat in Spain Jon Fisher 27th October, 2026 Ballon dOr Mens Player of the Year winner: Harry Kane becomes first English winner for 25 years Cian Cheesbrough 27th October, 2026 Who won the Ballon dOr 2026? Recap on the results live from London as they happened Cian Cheesbrough 26th October, 2026 Chaos at the Ballon dOr! Statement released after Kane, Mbappe, Yamal and Messi all announced as winners Cian Cheesbrough 26th October, 2026 What time is the Ballon dOr ceremony 2026? Full start details, confirmed timings Ben Miller 26th October, 2026
