Softfootball understands that a number of high media retailers named Lionel Messi the very best participant of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, regardless that Rodri was formally awarded the match’s Golden Ball.
Listed here are the retailers that chosen Messi:
- The Athletic
- IFFHS
- Sky Sports activities
- Softfootball
- The Guardian
- beIN SPORTS
- Fox Sports activities
- ESPN
- Sports activities Illustrated
- GOAL
- Yahoo Sports activities
- Bleacher Report
- CBS Sports activities
- The Day by day Star
- Tribuna
Messi’s recognition from these retailers is extensively justified. He produced 8 targets and 4 assists in 8 appearances, main Argentina to the 2026 World Cup last, the place they completed as runners‑up after a 1–0 further‑time defeat to Spain on 19 July 2026.
