Lionel Messi's Bid for Ballon d'Or No.9 After World Cup Heroics and MLS Brilliance

In the 92nd minute of stoppage time, Lionel Messi found himself forced onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence near the right side of the box. England supporters collectively held their breath as four of their tallest defenders crowded the six-yard area. Messi’s only viable target was Lautaro Martinez at the back post, and the Argentina captain delivered a flawless cross that found Martinez’s head, sending the ball past Jordan Pickford and securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. This goal propelled Argentina into the 2026 World Cup final.

Rather than celebrating with Martinez, much of the Argentina team and coaching staff surrounded Messi, underscoring his godlike status even at 39 years old. He once again carried his nation forward, showing why many believe he deserves a ninth Ballon d'Or if he leads Argentina to glory.

Dominating the Semi-Final With Relentless Skill

Messi tormented England during the last 30 minutes of the match. While Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach played into Messi’s hands, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took ruthless advantage. His influence in this expanded tournament has been unmatched, and another stunning performance in the final against Spain—featuring Barcelona’s promising Lamine Yamal—could seal the award for him. Despite entering the final as underdogs, Argentina’s unshakable confidence, paired with Messi’s hunger for victory, leaves little doubt they will fight fiercely for the trophy.

Argentina's Grit and Struggles

Before the semi-final, Argentina's performances in North America had been modest. They cruised through an advantageous group but narrowly escaped knockout rounds against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland, twice requiring extra time. The squad lacks several key players from their 2022 winning team, including Angel Di Maria, whose absence has affected Argentina’s width and left space open for opponents on counterattacks.

Yet, no team matches Argentina’s resilience. They never concede defeat and often reach peak form when under pressure. Messi remains the calmest figure on the pitch, always seeking the ball and inspiring his teammates to push forward relentlessly. Under Lionel Scaloni’s leadership, the team feeds off Messi’s energy, becoming fierce competitors unwilling to quit until victory is secured.

Messi: The Risk-Taker and Master of Adaptation

Messi's longevity and humility defy explanation. Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo’s decline, Messi does not get lost in hype. He takes each match as it comes, adapting flawlessly. Although he spent significant time walking during the tournament and appeared ordinary during parts of the first half against England, he consistently shifts into a higher gear when it matters most.

Against England, Messi recorded two assists and nine successful dribbles—a World Cup knockout record. Leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and contributing four assists, he looks set to claim his third World Cup Golden Ball. Every action carries purpose; where others play safe, Messi opts for incisive passes or mesmerizing runs. He remains an unstoppable force despite over 20 years of brilliance.

Messi Enjoys 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."

Unlike in Qatar 2022 where Messi was driven by the need to win what had eluded him, this time his intensity remains but with more joy and less pressure. Despite playing 420 minutes in knockout stages, Messi looks fresher than ever heading into the final. Facing Spain doesn’t intimidate him either; he knows their style well and respects their players, many of whom he’s played against or alongside at Barcelona.

Spain and Yamal’s Challenge

Spain won’t have free reign like they did against France in the other semi-final. Their star-studded frontline faltered when it mattered most, failing to break down a determined defense. Argentina won’t suffer such mental blocks. If they match the same intensity shown against England, Spain will struggle to impose their usual fluid game.

Coach Scaloni likely has strategies to contain Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy who has yet to find consistent rhythm due to injury. Yamal’s chances of challenging Messi for the Golden Ball appear slim unless he delivers multiple goals in the final. Messi’s record-breaking season and clutch World Cup displays put him ahead of rising stars and established names like Harry Kane.

Messi’s MLS Brilliance Strengthens His Case

Messi edged out Erling Haaland for the 2023 Ballon d’Or largely due to his World Cup heroics and a stellar final season at Paris Saint-Germain, where he contributed 41 combined goals and assists while winning Ligue 1. Heading into the 2026 ceremony, Messi is on track for a similar balance after an outstanding year with Inter Miami.

Under the ownership of Sir David Beckham, Miami claimed its first MLS Cup thanks to Messi’s brilliance. He shattered the single-postseason league record with 13 goal involvements in six matches and won the regular season Golden Boot with 29 goals despite injuries. Starting the 2026 MLS season fit and playing nearly every minute, Messi added 20 more goal contributions, lifting Miami to new heights.

The MLS may lack the prestige of Europe’s top leagues, but Messi’s extraordinary performances there bolster his Ballon d'Or credentials. Outshining peers like Yamal and Mbappe on football’s biggest stage solidifies his place as the favorite.

Argentina’s Reverence for Messi

It’s common for teams to build around their best player, but Argentina’s devotion to Messi transcends normal standards. The squad sacrifices personal glory to support him fully, ensuring he feels comfortable and empowered to express his talents. Giuliano Simeone broke down emotionally after the England match, praising Messi’s relentless fighting spirit despite being 39.

The team even embraced a new World Cup anthem, La Cuarta Estrella, celebrating their 2022 triumph with Messi and aiming to add a fourth star to their badge. The lyrics evoke memories of Diego Maradona and the Falklands, expressing hope that Messi’s final World Cup run ends with another championship.

Few active players have been mythologized so deeply and managed to live up to the legend. Messi has redefined what greatness means and now stands above the sport. Winning a ninth Ballon d’Or would reflect his enduring impact, whatever happens in his third World Cup final this Sunday.