Lionel Messi Could Claim Ninth Ballon d'Or After World Cup Heroics and MLS Brilliance

In the 92nd minute of stoppage time, Lionel Messi found himself forced onto his weaker foot by England’s Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence near the right side of the box. The tension was palpable as four towering English defenders crowded the six-yard area. Messi’s only realistic option was to deliver a perfect cross to Lautaro Martinez at the back post. As expected from the maestro, the pass was flawless, meeting Martinez’s head and sending the ball crashing into Jordan Pickford’s net.

This goal completed Argentina’s comeback from 1-0 down, securing a 2-1 win and a spot in the World Cup final. The Argentine squad immediately surrounded Messi rather than the goalscorer, underscoring his iconic status at 39 years old. He continues to single-handedly carry his nation forward.

Messi’s Dominance Against England

Over the last half-hour, Messi tormented England. Thomas Tuchel’s cautious tactics seemed to play right into his hands. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner exploited the space with ruthless efficiency. Many now speculate that a ninth Ballon d’Or could be within reach after his influence throughout this expanded tournament.

A commanding performance in the final against Spain—and Messi’s rumored Barcelona successor, Lamine Yamal—would almost guarantee the award. Argentina heads into the match as underdogs, but their collective belief combined with Messi’s relentless drive could see them lift the trophy if Spain falters even slightly.

Argentina’s Journey: Grit Over Flair

Before the semi-final, Argentina’s performances in North America were mixed. They dominated a favorable group but struggled narrowly against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland in knockout rounds, requiring extra time twice. Compared to Qatar 2022, where their squad was more balanced, nine key players from that victorious team didn’t participate this year. Notably, Angel Di Maria’s retirement left a void in width and creativity.

Without Di Maria, Argentina’s narrow midfield has exposed gaps for opponents to exploit on counterattacks. Still, no team can match their resilience. Argentina refuses to concede defeat, often reaching peak levels when under immense pressure. Messi remains the calmest presence on the pitch, constantly demanding the ball and pushing the team forward. His aura lifts the entire squad, transforming them into relentless competitors unwilling to surrender.

The Risk-Taking Genius

Messi’s humility and enduring brilliance defy logic. Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, whose decline has been painfully visible, Messi avoids the trappings of hype. He approaches each match with focus, adapting seamlessly to different situations. At this tournament, he’s often appeared less dominant early on, walking through some phases, including a frustrating first half against England. Yet he always finds another gear when needed.

His final-third decisions frequently prove perfect. In the England game, Messi provided two assists and completed nine dribbles—an unprecedented feat in a World Cup knockout match. Leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and adding four assists places him among the tournament’s top contributors. Messi’s every move carries intent; where most opt for safe passes, he chooses incisive plays or mesmerizing runs. Even after over two decades of excellence, opponents struggle to contain him when he’s at full speed.

Enjoying the Moment

“I’ve been preparing and training for a year now, and I knew I was going to give it my all to be in the best possible shape,” Messi said after the England win. “Right now I just want to enjoy myself. I’m not talking about my last World Cup or anything like that. This team always gives its all and owes nothing to anyone.”

Messi’s longevity is often credited to natural talent, but his grit and perseverance are equally important. He hesitated before confirming participation in a sixth World Cup, wanting to ensure he could still contribute. Over five weeks, he’s proven his value repeatedly, relishing the moment.

Unlike the intense seriousness seen in Qatar 2022, Messi appears more relaxed and joyful this time. Despite playing 420 minutes in knockout stages, he seems to be peaking just in time for the final. Spain won’t intimidate him. He knows their style and many of their players personally, describing the final as an evenly matched contest.

Spain’s Young Star Yamal Faces Tough Test

Argentina won’t allow Spain to dominate like they did against France in the other semi-final. Spain’s star-studded attack, including Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, was neutralized by France’s mental block. Argentina shows no such hesitation. If they play with the same intensity that pushed England back, Spain’s fluid style will struggle.

Coach Scaloni likely has strategies to contain Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. The young player’s impact has been sporadic due to injury and limited rhythm. Although he has contributed hard work, Yamal isn’t expected to challenge Messi for the Golden Ball unless he scores multiple goals in a Spain victory. Even then, Messi’s influence might overshadow other contenders like Harry Kane, who leads club-level goal contributions but hasn’t shone as brightly in this tournament.

Messi’s Impact in MLS

Messi edged out Erling Haaland for the 2023 Ballon d’Or thanks largely to his World Cup triumph and a stellar final season at Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored or assisted 41 goals and lifted Ligue 1. Heading into the 2026 ceremony, he’s produced similar numbers during a remarkable year with Inter Miami.

Owned by David Beckham, Miami captured their first MLS Cup with Messi’s brilliance at the core. He set a new record for goal involvements in a single postseason (13 in six matches) and won the regular-season Golden Boot with 29 goals despite injury hurdles sparking retirement rumors.

After a rest, Messi began the 2026 MLS season in prime form, playing nearly every minute across the first 15 games and adding 20 goal contributions. Though MLS lacks the prestige of Europe’s top leagues, Messi’s extraordinary performances have elevated Miami’s profile dramatically.

This enhances his Ballon d’Or case, though arguably he needs little help. Outshining younger stars on football’s grandest stage puts him firmly in contention for a ninth award.

A Leader Like No Other

Top teams often revolve around their best player, but Argentina’s devotion to Messi goes far beyond that. Teammates sacrifice personal glory to support him fully, ensuring he can express himself without restriction. The squad embraces his legend wholeheartedly.

After the England win, winger Giuliano Simeone grew emotional, saying on live TV, “We know Messi is 39, he has everything a footballer could dream of… and yet he is still fighting as the best. For us, there’s only one thing left: give everything we have, run for him and for Argentina.”

Argentina even adopted a new anthem, La Cuarta Estrella, celebrating their hope for a fourth World Cup star. The lyrics pay tribute to Messi, Diego Maradona, and the country’s history, embodying the team’s determination to reclaim glory.

Few active players have been elevated to such mythical status and lived up to it. Messi redefines world-class football repeatedly, transcending the sport itself. That alone makes him a worthy candidate for a ninth Ballon d’Or, whatever happens in Sunday’s final.