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Messi returns for the "Ballon d'Or", the World Cup could give him a historic ninth trophy

Politiko 2026-07-16 19:53:01
Messi returns for the "Ballon d'Or", the World Cup could give him

Lionel Messi is writing another extraordinary chapter in his career and has already returned strongly to the race to win the "Ballon d'Or". The last time the Argentine star was part of the shortlist of the 30 best players was in 2023, when he triumphed for the eighth time in his career, after the historic success with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

After moving to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi was left out of the last two editions of the prestigious award, won first by Rodri and then by Ousmane Dembélé, despite the fact that the "flea" had led Argentina to triumph in the 2024 Copa América. But the 2026 World Cup has changed everything. On the eve of the grand final against Spain, Messi is having an extraordinary tournament, proving that he remains one of the most decisive footballers in the world.

The Albiceleste captain is currently the tournament's top scorer with 8 goals, has led his team to the final and has been named man of the match four times, a statistic that shows his huge impact on this World Cup.

If Messi manages to win the World Cup for the second time in a row with Argentina on Sunday, then his candidacy for the "Ballon d'Or" will become even stronger. A triumph in the grand final could pave the way for another historical record: Lionel Messi's ninth Ballon d'Or, an achievement that would once again seal his status as one of football's greatest legends.

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