Lionel Messi stands on the brink of adding yet another remarkable chapter to his legendary career as Argentina prepares to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. While the Argentine captain has already cemented his status as one of football’s greatest players, he enters the final with two prestigious individual honors still within reach—the Golden Boot and what could become a record-extending third Golden Ball.
Messi has collected nearly every major trophy and individual accolade during his glittering career, including a record eight Ballon d'Or titles, multiple league championships, Champions League crowns, and international success with Argentina. However, the World Cup Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament’s top scorer, has remained one of the few honors to elude him.
The 39-year-old forward heads into the final trailing France striker Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. Messi had shared the lead with Mbappe after the semifinals, with both players scoring eight goals. Messi also held the advantage on the tiebreaker thanks to an extra assist. However, Mbappe moved ahead by scoring twice in France’s thrilling 6-4 defeat to England in Saturday’s third-place playoff, taking his tournament tally to 10 goals.
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Mbappe’s scoring feat made him the first player to reach double figures in a single World Cup since German legend Gerd Muller scored 10 goals in the 1970 tournament. The French star, who also claimed the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite France finishing runners-up, is now in a commanding position to retain the award. If Messi is to overtake him, the Argentine captain will likely need a sensational performance in the final.
Even if the Golden Boot slips away, Messi appears to be the overwhelming favorite to receive the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player. If successful, he would become the first player in history to win the honor three times, further extending a record he already owns.
Messi first won the Golden Ball in 2014 despite Argentina finishing runners-up and claimed it again in 2022 after inspiring his nation to its third World Cup title with seven goals in seven matches.
His leadership, creativity, and consistent brilliance throughout the current tournament have once again placed him at the heart of Argentina’s impressive run to a second consecutive World Cup final. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni believes Messi’s influence extends far beyond statistics. "He is the history. He is the legend," Scaloni said while praising his captain ahead of the title clash.
Alongside the Golden Ball and Golden Boot, FIFA will also present the Golden Glove for the tournament’s best goalkeeper and the Best Young Player Award, recognizing the top performer aged 21 or younger.
Spain appears well positioned to claim both honors. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has enjoyed an outstanding tournament, conceding just one goal in seven matches, while 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal has dazzled fans with his pace, creativity, and maturity beyond his years, strengthening his reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents.
The winners of the Golden Ball, Golden Glove, and Best Young Player awards will be selected by accredited media representatives from a shortlist prepared by FIFA’s Technical Study Group. As the football world eagerly awaits the World Cup final, all eyes will once again be on Messi, who has another opportunity to enhance an already unmatched legacy on the sport’s biggest stage.
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