Messi favourite for ninth Ballon d'Or after World Cup final
Lionel Messi is poised to win his ninth Ballon d’Or if Argentina defeats Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Leading with 8 goals and 4 assists in the tournament, Messi stands as the front-runner for the prestigious award, which will be presented on October 26 in London. His main rivals include 19-year-old Lamine Yamal from Spain and England’s Harry Kane. Despite playing in MLS rather than top European leagues, Messi’s chances remain strong. The outcome of the final is expected to heavily influence the individual award decision.
Key facts
- Messi leads with 8 goals and 4 assists in the 2026 World Cup
- Award to be presented on October 26 in London
- Main rivals include Spain's Lamine Yamal and England’s Harry Kane
Why it matters
Messi's pursuit of a record ninth Ballon d'Or highlights his enduring global football dominance despite playing in MLS. The award's outcome, influenced by World Cup final results, remains a key talking point internationally, reflecting evolving talent across nations and the significance of major tournaments in determining football's top individual honour.
Source and method
This brief was written by Daily Vietnam's editing desk from a report published by ZNews, using AI assistance and a fixed editorial structure. It contains only facts established by that report and adds nothing from outside it. It is a summary for readers who do not read Vietnamese, not a replacement for the original. All reporting credit belongs to ZNews.
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