2026 Ballon d’Or: Messi does not deserve award – Ally McCoist

Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist has claimed that Lionel Messi does not deserve to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or despite being included among the 30 nominees.

Messi, who has won the prestigious award a record eight times, is on the shortlist at the age of 39 after another impressive year for club and country.

The Inter Miami captain helped Argentina reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, scoring eight goals and providing four assists before they lost to Spain.

Messi has also continued to perform strongly for Inter Miami and is currently sharing the MLS Golden Boot with FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.

However, McCoist strongly rejected the idea of Messi winning the Ballon d’Or when asked about his chances on talkSPORT’s Breakfast show.

“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.”

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McCoist instead backed Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane, saying: “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.” The winner will be announced in London on October 26.