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Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026 nominees confirmed for London ceremony

The shortlist includes players from leading clubs across Europe and other major competitions. Paris Saint-Germain has one of the strongest contingents in the men’s field. Its nominees include Dembélé, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Bruno Fernandes, Declan Rice, Michael Olise, Lautaro Martínez and Sadio Mané also earned places. France Football administers the Ballon d’Or and applies a season-based assessment period to each edition.
Messi returns to the Ballon d’Or shortlist after missing the nominee lists in 2024 and 2025. The Argentina international owns a record eight men’s Ballon d’Or titles. He last won the award in 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from the shortlist for a fourth consecutive edition. Brazilian forward Raphinha also does not feature among the 2026 candidates. Dembélé enters this year’s contest as the defending men’s winner after claiming the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Sports

Lionel Messi retires from Argentina after 21-year record run

Messi said he reached the decision after extensive consideration following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final against Spain. He wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after the final in New Jersey. Messi later said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August reinforced his decision to publish the message. He described leaving the national team as painful while stressing the pride he felt representing Argentina. Messi also thanked teammates, coaches, family members and supporters who accompanied him throughout his international career.