Messi’s World Cup campaign provides the clearest evidence. Across eight matches, he recorded eight goals and four assists, while leading Argentina to the final.
Those numbers explain his place among the nominees, but his influence went beyond scoring. Argentina repeatedly faced pressure in the knockout stages, and Messi contributed through chance creation, ball progression and decisive attacking moments.
The report also notes that he surpassed Miroslav Klose and Marta in the list of the World Cup’s leading scorers before Kylian Mbappé moved ahead. That historical context strengthens the case for his nomination, even if it does not make him the favourite.
Messi’s presence gives MLS a rare connection to the sport’s biggest individual award. The league has traditionally been outside the Ballon d’Or’s central conversation, which remains heavily shaped by Europe’s leading competitions.
That structural disadvantage matters. Messi has not had the opportunity to collect Champions League, Europa League or Conference League performances during this award cycle. His Inter Miami campaign therefore carries less weight than a comparable season in one of Europe’s major leagues.
The nomination broadens MLS’s profile, but it does not erase the competition gap.
Rodri appears to be the leading contender, although the choice is not universally accepted. The debate reflects a wider question over whether the award should prioritise team success, tournament influence or individual brilliance across an entire season.
Messi’s nomination keeps that argument alive. His next challenge is to turn recognition into a serious vote-winning campaign, while MLS will hope his visibility creates a stronger path for future nominees.