- Messi Emerges Clear Favourite for Golden Boot and Record Ninth Ballon d’Or Ahead of World Cup Final
Lionel Messi is on the verge of adding two more prestigious individual honours to his glittering career after emerging as the overwhelming favourite to win both the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain strengthened his credentials after inspiring the defending champions to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals. Although he did not find the net, Messi produced another masterclass by providing assists for Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser and Lautaro Martinez’s dramatic stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into Sunday’s final against European champions Spain.
Messi’s latest display means he has now contributed an astonishing 12 goals at the tournament, scoring eight times and providing four assists. Those numbers have placed him at the top of the Golden Boot race, with only one match remaining.
France captain Kylian Mbappe is level with Messi on eight goals but trails the Argentine playmaker on assists, having registered three. Mbappe still has an opportunity to improve his tally in France’s third-place playoff against England, although uncertainty remains over whether coach Didier Deschamps will rest some of his key players after their semi-final disappointment.
England captain Harry Kane remains in contention with six goals and one assist but faces an uphill task to overtake the two leading contenders.
Messi’s outstanding World Cup campaign has also dramatically reshaped the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Before the tournament, Mbappe, Kane and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal were widely regarded as the leading candidates for football’s most prestigious individual award. However, Argentina’s march to a second consecutive World Cup final has significantly strengthened Messi’s case.
The Argentine legend has been directly involved in more goals than any other player at the tournament, while Yamal has managed one goal without an assist despite helping Spain reach the final.
Should Spain defeat Argentina on Sunday, Yamal could still boost his chances with a standout performance on football’s biggest stage. But as matters stand, Messi’s consistency, leadership and decisive contributions throughout the knockout rounds have placed him firmly in the driving seat.
The World Cup has also dented the hopes of other Ballon d’Or hopefuls. Mbappe’s chances suffered following France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, while Kane’s prospects faded after England’s heartbreaking loss to Argentina.
Messi’s club achievements have further strengthened his credentials. The veteran forward guided Inter Miami to MLS Cup success before arriving at the World Cup, adding another major trophy to an already remarkable season.
Victory against Spain on Sunday would crown an extraordinary campaign for the Argentine captain, who is aiming to lead his country to back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time in history.
It would also place him within touching distance of an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or, extending his lead over long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times.
At 39 years old, Messi continues to defy age and expectations. Instead of winding down his illustrious career, the Argentine icon stands just one match away from another World Cup triumph and yet another chapter in football history.
