Messi Poised for Historic Third Golden Ball at World Cup

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Argentina's final match against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for July 19, 2026.

Sportskeeda - Pat McAfee expressed shock after discovering an iconic image of Messi with Lamine Yamal from 2007, stating, “They said Messi is his daddy.”

Sportskeeda - Spain midfielder Mikel Merino expressed disbelief about an iconic image of Messi with young Lamine Yamal, stating, “I thought it was AI, and it wasn’t even real.”

Sportskeeda - NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo praised Messi for his heroics at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating, "We witnessed greatness."

Sportskeeda - Gaizka Mendieta, a former Spain midfielder, claims Messi will win his ninth Ballon d'Or if Argentina wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

ESPN - Lionel Messi is identified as the best player at the World Cup.

The Spokesman-Review - Messi is a huge favorite to win the Golden Ball award.

WHAT:

NY Post - Messi's four residences at Cipriani Residences Miami are now 80% sold ahead of a 2027 move-in date.

Sportskeeda - A 2019 tweet predicting Messi would lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies in 2026 has gone viral again online.

Sportskeeda - Messi's performance at the World Cup has made him a favorite for the Golden Ball award.

NY Post - Messi's four residences at Cipriani Residences Miami are now 80% sold ahead of a 2027 move-in date.

Sportskeeda - Argentina's final match against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for July 19, 2026.

Sportskeeda - Lionel Scaloni responded to questions about whether the 2026 final will be Messi's last World Cup game, stating, “He never stops surprising us.”

Sportskeeda - Legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita claimed that Messi is proving he can play at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating, “Messi has broken all the rules.”

NY Post - Messi purchased four residences at Cipriani Residences Miami last spring, which are now 80% sold ahead of a 2027 move-in date.

Sportskeeda - A 2019 tweet predicting Messi would lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies in 2026 has gone viral again, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his potential achievement.

Sportskeeda - Messi gave a cheeky reply to a reporter, stating, “I already completed the game at the last World Cup,” after being praised for his performance.

Sportskeeda - Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates are reportedly stranded in their Atlanta hotel due to thunderstorms, preventing their travel to New York for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Sportskeeda - A 2019 tweet predicting Messi would lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies in 2026 has gone viral again, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his potential achievement.

Sportskeeda - Fans reacted to a coincidence regarding Spain's FIFA World Cup games, expressing concern for Messi's safety with comments like "Start wrapping Messi in bubble wrap."

Sportskeeda - Argentina is set to play European champions Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

ESPN - Messi is considered the best male athlete of all time.

The Spokesman-Review - Messi is poised to win his third World Cup Golden Ball award.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in New Jersey.

The Spokesman-Review - The context of the awards is related to the World Cup.

WHEN:

The Spokesman-Review - The Golden Ball award ceremony is set to take place on December 18, 2026.

Sportskeeda - The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for July 19, 2026.

The Spokesman-Review - The Golden Ball award ceremony is set to take place on December 18, 2026.

Sportskeeda - The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for July 19, 2026.

The Spokesman-Review - The Golden Ball award ceremony is set to take place on December 18, 2026.

Sportskeeda - Argentina's final match against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled for July 19, 2026.

The Spokesman-Review - The Golden Ball award ceremony is set to take place on December 18, 2026.

WHY:

Sportskeeda - Angel Di Maria expressed in his letter, “We can’t ask anything more of them,” referring to Messi and the current squad after Argentina reached the final.

Sportskeeda - Argentina legend Angel Di Maria penned an emotional letter to the current squad led by Lionel Messi, stating, “We can’t ask anything more of them” after Argentina reached the final.

Sportskeeda - Caio Ribeiro, a former Brazil star, claimed that Messi is being protected by referees during the FIFA World Cup, suggesting "Moments when the refereeing is a bit more lenient with Messi."

Sportskeeda - Former Brazil star Caio Ribeiro claimed that Messi is being protected by referees during the FIFA World Cup, suggesting "Moments when the refereeing is a bit more lenient with Messi."

Sportskeeda - Giannis Antetokounmpo praised Messi for his heroics at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, indicating that he draws inspiration from Messi's performance.

The Spokesman-Review - Messi's performance at the World Cup has made him a favorite for the award.

HOW:

FOX Sports - Lionel Scaloni has been with Messi since the beginning of his FIFA World Cup journey with Argentina.

Al Jazeera - Erling Haaland's Instagram following grew by 29 million in the past 30 days, reaching over 70 million, and is projected to reach 75 million after the World Cup final.

Sportskeeda - A 2019 tweet predicting Messi would lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies in 2026 has gone viral again, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his potential achievement.

Sportskeeda - A viral tweet from 2019 predicted Messi would lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies in 2026, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his potential achievement.

ESPN - Messi's skills and achievements during the tournament contribute to his status as the best player.

Argentina's final match against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for July 19, 2026. In other news, Messi's four residences at Cipriani Residences Miami are now 80% sold, with a move-in date scheduled for 2027. Additionally, the Golden Ball award ceremony is planned for December 18, 2026.