While Lionel Messi and Argentina still have the last hurdle to cross in the form of Spain, speculations have been rife about how the football icon would end his last campaign. He could lead his nation to its fourth FIFA World Cup title. Even if that doesn’t happen, an individual accolade seems guaranteed for Messi. According to widespread reports, FIFA has already chosen the recipient of the coveted Golden Ball, which recognises the best player of the World Cup. Messi already has two in his decorated cabinet, and one more appears to be on the way.
The football governing body reportedly has decided that Messi would win the Golden Ball, no matter what transpires in the final against Spain on July 19. There shouldn’t be any debate that the former Barcelona playmaker, at the age of 39, has been doing an unmatched carry job that even many players in their prime couldn’t have imagined.
What Is The Golden Ball In World Cup?
The Argentina captain has registered eight goals and four assists so far in this World Cup. With one more game to go, his tally is expected to rise before the tournament ends. Generally, the player with overall goal contributions has a higher chance to win the Golden Ball.
In the semi-final against England, when fans might have started losing hope, Messi once again stepped up with two assists, as Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez fired home to complete a last-gasp comeback, setting up a blockbuster final clash against Spain.
Now that they remain one step away from their second consecutive World Cup, Messi would look to show his magic at football’s biggest stage, possibly one last time. As far as the FIFA Golden Ball is concerned, with 12 G/A and after some match-defining shows, Messi would definitely deserve the individual award, which he previously claimed in the 2014 and 2022 editions.
🚨💣 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: The FIFA technical committee met up on Friday to discuss the awards handed out after the World Cup final.
It has already been decided: Leo Messi has won the Golden Ball award, regardless of what happens in the final. pic.twitter.com/rkQhGBXVyL
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 19, 2026
Can Lionel Messi dethrone Kylian Mbappe to win World Cup Golden Boot?
Kylian Mbappe finished the tournament with 10 goals, though France lost the third-place match to England. While the Real Madrid forward now leads the Golden Boot race, Messi sits second with eight goals. The Inter Miami playmaker has a chance to close the gap in the summit clash against Spain.
