CORNERFLICK
Lionel Messi's fifth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d'Or has drawn anger in Argentina, where fans and media again argued that the captain remains the world's best player.
Ole's reaction
The Argentine newspaper Ole pushed back at France Football's rankings and backed Messi despite Harry Kane winning the award for Bayern Munich. On its front page, Ole used the slogan “Aunkane ganes o pierdas” and wrote that Messi is always the best for them, no matter who European voters choose.
It also pointed to Kane's defeat against Messi and Argentina in the World Cup semi-final as a memory that would not be forgotten, saying Messi is still the best in the eyes of Argentine fans. The paper later added that, for them, Leo Messi is and will be the best, and that the World Cup proved it again.
The final top five
Kane finished first, with Kylian Mbappe second and Lamine Yamal third. Rodri took fourth place, while Messi completed the top five at the age of 39.
The result has renewed debate over Messi's standing in individual football awards, as many in Argentina continue to place his international honours, especially the World Cup, above any personal ranking.