2026 Ballon d’Or: Organisers reveal new record set by Messi

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 12: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts during the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami CF and Leon at Nu Stadium on August 12, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Rich Storry/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Rich Storry / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

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The official Ballon d’Or website has revealed a new career milestone achieved by Lionel Messi after the Argentine led Inter Miami to victory in the 2026 Campeones Cup.

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According to a report published on Thursday, the 39-year-old scored with a header as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 in the clash between the MLS champions and Liga MX champions.

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The victory added another trophy to Messi’s collection at Inter Miami while also setting a new personal record for the Argentine.

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Messi has now scored 36 goals in finals, the most by any player in football history, according to the Ballon d’Or organisers.

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The Argentine has featured in 53 finals throughout his career, contributing 36 goals and 18 assists.

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His goal against Cruz Azul also took his tally for Inter Miami to 100 goals since joining the Major League Soccer club in 2023.

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Messi has made 115 appearances for Inter Miami, registering 100 goals and 57 assists for a total of 157 direct goal contributions.

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The Ballon d’Or website noted that Messi’s arrival has coincided with a successful period for Inter Miami, with the club winning four trophies since his move to the United States.

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His titles with the club are the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, 2025 MLS Cup and 2026 Campeones Cup, taking Messi’s career trophy haul to 48

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He is followed on the all-time list by Brazilian defenders Marquinhos and Dani Alves, who have each won 43 titles.

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At 39, Messi remains among the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after another season in which he has added to his individual records and trophy collection.

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