Lionel Messi set to win FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball - Report
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Messi could win his third Golden Ball award in the World Cup.
Lionel Messi might be on the verge of adding another World Cup award to his already impressive record before the final begins.
As Argentina prepare to face Spain in the tournament’s biggest game, sources indicate FIFA has already decided on one of the tournament’s top honours.
The adidas Golden Ball is frequently decided before the tournament’s last game. The award is judged on overall effect and influence rather than stats. It is awarded to the best player in the World Cup.
Also read: What boots will Lionel Messi wear in Argentina vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
Lionel Messi is likely to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball
FIFA’s award procedure consists of two steps: first, the FIFA Technical Study Group, which comprises former managers, players, and analysts, creates a shortlist.
“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.”
Following that, members of the worldwide football media can vote for one of the shortlisted players, with the top three receiving the Golden Ball, Silver Ball, and Bronze Ball.
Notably, Lionel Messi is the only player to have won the Golden Ball twice, and winning it three times would cement his legacy even more. He previously earned the honour in 2014, when Argentina finished second. Again in 2022, after leading Argentina to a World Cup victory.
In this year’s competition, Messi, 39, has demonstrated that he is still at the peak of his game. He has eight goals and four assists, second only to France’s Kylian Mbappé.
How many FIFA Golden Balls has Lionel Messi won?
He has won two Golden Balls so far.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
He has eight World Cup 2026 goals so far.
Who is the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball given to?
Best player of the tournament.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.