Argentina paper dismisses Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph as Messi takes fifth

Argentine media have rejected Harry Kane’s superiority after the Bayern Munich striker won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting Lionel Messi remains the world’s best player despite finishing fifth in the final voting.

Argentine newspaper Ole used a mocking headline on its front page on Tuesday morning, declaring: “Aunkane ganes o pierdas”. The phrase is a play on Kane’s name and translates as “whether you win or lose”, underlining the paper’s view that Messi’s standing among Argentines is unaffected by the result.

“M ליssi is always the best for us, even if the Europeans chose the Bayern Munich player and gave the greatest legend in history the modest fifth place,” Ole wrote.

Kane finished first in the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting, ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappe, who was runner-up. Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal came third, with Rodri fourth and Messi fifth.

Ole also referred to the semi-final between Argentina and England at the previous World Cup, when Argentina defeated England. The newspaper argued that the loss would remain a defining blemish on Kane’s career.

“The stain of the defeat against Messi and Argentina in the semi-final will never be erased,” it said. “Even so, Leo Messi will always be the best for us, and the World Cup proved that once again.”