Lionel Messi snubbed: Rodri wins 2026 World Cup Golden Ball in controversial decision

Rodri was awarded the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball that recognizes him as the best player of the tournament. However, when he received the award, a full New York New Jersey Stadium started to chant the name of Lionel Messi in protest, as they wanted the Argentine to win the award.

There is a case for both players to win the Golden Ball. Rodri not only helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup, but he was the metronome and the one who controlled the tempo of the game. Without him, Spain didn’t have balance. Rodri now joins the list of the all-time FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winners.

As for Messi, the only reason Argentina got to the final was thanks to his heroics. At 39 years old, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists. Out of Argentina’s 19 goals, Messi was involved in 12 of them.

Messi deserves huge recognition

Messi cried after the World Cup final, and it’s understandable. Not only is the pain of losing this game a huge blow, but it also meant that Messi’s heroics at 39 years old weren’t enough, his team end up falling short.

Without Rodri, Spain would’ve still been a contender. Maybe not enough to win it all, but still juggernauts. Without Messi, Argentina’s World Cup campaign would’ve likely been way shorter.

See also

How many times have Spain won the World Cup? Best finishes and historic campaigns

Messi’s has nothing to be ashamed of

Many are quick to blame the biggest star of the losing team. After all, they’re the ones that should guide their team to gold. For Messi, he did all he could. It was a matter of Spain being completely superior to Argentina in all fronts.