Messi on the Brink of Historic Double
Lionel Messi stands just one win away from matching a milestone held solely by Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazário. If Argentina defeats Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, Messi will claim his second World Cup title.
Ronaldo’s Unique Achievement
Ronaldo Nazário remains the only player to have lifted the World Cup twice (1994, 2002) while also winning the Ballon d’Or on two occasions (1997, 2002). No other footballer has replicated this combination.
Messi’s Ballon d’Or Edge
Messi already holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards with eight victories. However, his World Cup tally currently stands at one, earned after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar 2022. A second crown would place him beside Ronaldo in the elite group of players with at least two World Cups and two Ballon d’Or honours.
Why the Feat Has Been Elusive
Legends such as Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus won the World Cup as players but never secured the trophy twice. Brazilian icons Pelé and Garrincha captured multiple World Cups, yet the Ballon d’Or was restricted to European players until 1995, preventing them from competing for the award.
Rule Change Opens the Door
The 1995 revision that opened the Ballon d’Or to players worldwide allowed stars like Ronaldo and later Messi to pursue both individual and team glory on the global stage. Sunday’s final offers Messi the chance to add another historic chapter to an already illustrious career.
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