Why Rodri Took the Golden Ball Over Lionel Messi at the World Cup
Lionel Messi delivered an incredible performance for Argentina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kylian Mbappe from France also impressed, earning the Golden Boot. Yet, neither of these stars claimed the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament's best player. That honor went to Rodri from Spain after their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
Why Messi Missed Out on the Golden Ball
Many believed Messi deserved the award, but the voters chose otherwise. The key factor seemed to be that the Golden Ball did not go to a player on the losing team. Despite Messi’s magical moments and presumed farewell World Cup, he ended with a silver medal and no individual trophy.
Rodri’s Case for the Golden Ball
The decision to award Rodri raised questions. He is Spain’s captain and had previously won the Ballon d’Or despite not being a prolific goal scorer at Manchester City. His influence in midfield was decisive, making him stand out among teammates like striker Mikel Oyarzabal and Spain’s strong defense.
Although Rodri was substituted off when the score was still 0-0 in the final, voters valued his leadership and overall impact. This recognition outweighed other considerations, sealing his place as the tournament’s best player.
Additional World Cup Highlights
- Erling Haaland returned home with a unique $750 gift from the World Cup.
- Neymar ended his Brazil career with a memorable moment fitting his style.
- Christian Pulisic gave a disappointing response following the U.S. team's exit.
- Jerry Jones faced boos during a World Cup match held in Dallas.
- The actor who portrayed Dani Rojas on Ted Lasso made his professional soccer debut.
