2026 World Cup: Messi, Mbappé… Who will win the Ballon d'Or?

The 2026 World Cup's group stage has concluded, confirming the presence of football's biggest superstars and setting the stage for intense knockout rounds. Amidst the heat, a new ball, and an expanded 48-team format, the tournament has delivered a spectacle, with off-field controversies playing second fiddle to on-field action.

At the heart of the narrative is 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who continues to defy age and expectations. Many believed his 2022 World Cup triumph was his swansong, but Messi has arrived at the 2026 tournament with undiminished hunger. He dictates play with precision, breaking records with each match. His hat-trick against Algeria made him the oldest player to achieve this feat in a World Cup, and a brace against Austria surpassed Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals. He also became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cups. With Argentina aiming for a historic back-to-back title and Messi chasing his own single-edition goal record, his pursuit of the Golden Boot further solidifies his Ballon d'Or contention.

"Messi doesn’t need to be the best in the world, he is," said former Argentine world champion Jorge Valdano, a sentiment that resonates strongly this tournament. Argentina's next challenge is a Round of 16 match against Cape Verde, the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage, followed by a potential clash with the winner of Australia vs. Egypt. This favorable path on paper could pave the way for Messi to secure both the World Cup and the Golden Boot, making the Ballon d'Or a near certainty.

While Messi shines, Kylian Mbappé is also emerging as a key figure, building his legacy in this tournament. The competition's blend of established stars and emerging talent promises a compelling conclusion as the contenders for the sport's highest individual honor begin to crystallize.

“

Messi doesn’t need to be the best in the world, he is.