Bettors on the prediction platform Polymarket now give Lionel Messi a 41% chance of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or, a sharp increase from earlier this year. The shift comes as the Argentine star continues to dominate headlines, though the market still leaves room for other contenders. Separately, an analyst expects Apple to keep growing in the second quarter even after recent price increases, pointing to pulled-forward demand in China and potential regulatory approval for Apple's AI partnership with Alibaba.
Messi's 2026 Ballon d'Or Chances on Polymarket
Polymarket's odds for Messi winning the prestigious award jumped to 41%, making him the clear favorite. The market aggregates bets from users worldwide, reflecting real-time sentiment. No other player comes close to that percentage, though the platform does not disclose individual bet sizes or the identities of the largest backers. The 2026 Ballon d'Or will be awarded based on performances from the 2025-26 season, which includes the 2026 World Cup — a tournament that could heavily influence voters. Messi, now 37, has already won the award eight times, most recently in 2023 after leading Argentina to World Cup glory.
Apple's Q2 Outlook: China Demand and AI Approval
An analyst tracking Apple expects the company to report continued growth in the second quarter, despite raising prices on several products. The forecast hinges on two factors: pulled-forward demand from Chinese consumers ahead of potential trade restrictions, and the possibility that regulators will approve Apple's artificial intelligence system alongside Alibaba's model. The analyst notes that Chinese buyers have been accelerating purchases of iPhones and other Apple devices, worried that tariffs or bans could make them more expensive later. Meanwhile, Apple's AI features, which rely on a partnership with Alibaba, are still awaiting a green light from Beijing. If approved, the analyst says, the AI integration could drive a new upgrade cycle in China, Apple's third-largest market. The company reports its Q2 earnings next month.
