Lionel Messi’s failure to win the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked widespread debate among football fans, with many arguing that the Argentina captain deserved the tournament’s best player award after another remarkable campaign.
Messi finished the tournament with eight goals, including a hat-trick and a stunning free-kick, while featuring in almost every match as he inspired Argentina’s run to the latter stages of the competition.
His performances drew praise from fans and pundits alike, who described him as the driving force behind many of the team’s victories.
However, FIFA awarded the Golden Ball to Spain midfielder Rodri, a decision that has divided opinion across the football community.
Critics of the decision argued that Rodri’s influence on the tournament was not as significant as Messi’s and questioned the criteria used in selecting the winner.
READ ALSO: Mbappe Edges Messi In FIFA Golden Boot Race After World Cup Quarter-finals
France captain Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, ending speculation over the race for the award.
Across social media, many supporters expressed disappointment over Messi’s omission from the Golden Ball honours, insisting his goals, leadership and overall influence made him the standout player of the tournament.
Others, particularly some Cristiano Ronaldo supporters, welcomed the outcome, noting that Argentina did not retain the World Cup title this time and arguing that the final individual awards reflected the team’s overall performance.
The Golden Ball decision has since become one of the most discussed talking points of the tournament, with fans continuing to debate whether Messi’s individual brilliance warranted recognition despite Argentina falling short of lifting the trophy.