Is Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or record untouchable? Chances of Haaland, Mbappe, Bellingham, others to break mark

The eighth Ballon d'Or trophy of Lionel Messi's illustrious career is almost certainly his last.

Now 36, and playing for American club Inter Miami, Messi will almost surely finish his legendary playing time with his current haul. Those eight awards put him well atop the all-time list of most Ballon d'Or trophies won, with the next closest being his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, on five.

It certainly feels as if we may go generations before another player of such dominance can challenge Messi's mark. It takes not only a legendary player to assemble such a CV, but it also requires exceptional health and immaculate timing — Messi's career was perfectly slotted into an era where he had just one main challenger for much of his prime.

Yet records were meant to be broken. Could anyone in today's game break his record when their careers are cemented? The Sporting News compiles the most likely players to break his record, given a number of factors, including age, club situation, national team standing, position, skillset, and much more.

Messi v Ronaldo: Does eighth Ballon D'Or end the 'GOAT' debate?

Below is a list of all players who have won the Ballon d'Or more than once.

A reminder, the award was also only eligible to European-born players until 1995 when that rule was changed, opening up the award to all players contracted European clubs. From 2007, any player in any league in the world could be nominated.

With Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or now secure, the bar has been set. It seems nearly impossible that Messi, now a 36-year-old and playing for an American club, could add to his total beyond the current number.

It's very difficult to see Ronaldo, 38 and plying his trade in Saudi Arabai, winning three more Ballon d'Or awards to