Rodri's Golden Ball Win Sparks Debate Over Messi's Legacy

WHO:

The New York Times - Rodri, Lionel Messi, Spain national team, Argentina national team, Pep Guardiola, Luis de la Fuente

beIN SPORTS - Rodri, Lionel Messi

WHAT:

The New York Times - Rodri was voted the best player at the 2026 World Cup, adding the Golden Ball award to his Ballon d’Or.

The New York Times - Rodri completed 648 passes during Spain’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup, breaking his own record from the 2022 tournament.

The New York Times - Rodri is now one of only seven players in history to win a World Cup, a European Championship/Copa America, a UEFA Champions League, and a Ballon d’Or.

The New York Times - Rodri has won a UEFA Nations League with Spain, in addition to his other titles.

The New York Times - Rodri won the Golden Ball award at the World Cup.

The New York Times - Messi scored eight goals and assisted four during the tournament.

The New York Times - Rodri completed 648 passes during the World Cup, the most by one player at a single World Cup.

The New York Times - Rodri became the seventh player in history to win a World Cup, a European Championship/Copa America, a UEFA Champions League, and a Ballon d’Or.

The New York Times - Rodri has won four Premier Leagues, five domestic cups, and a Club World Cup with Manchester City.

The New York Times - Rodri scored the only goal in the 2022-23 Champions League final.

beIN SPORTS - Messi was one of La Albiceleste’s leading figures during the tournament.

WHERE:

The New York Times - The World Cup final took place at MetLife Stadium.

WHEN:

The New York Times - Rodri won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

The New York Times - Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September 2024.

WHY:

The New York Times - Rodri's leadership and exceptional midfield displays contributed to Spain's success in the World Cup.

HOW:

The New York Times - Rodri was instrumental in Spain’s success at the World Cup, serving as the team’s captain and leading with exceptional midfield displays.

The New York Times - Rodri dictated the tempo of matches and broke up opposition play during the World Cup.

Rodri has been named the best player at the 2026 World Cup, earning the prestigious Golden Ball award to add to his Ballon d’Or. During the tournament, he completed an impressive 648 passes, breaking his own record from the 2022 event, and he now joins an elite group of only seven players in history to have won a World Cup, a European Championship or Copa America, a UEFA Champions League, and a Ballon d’Or. As Spain's captain, Rodri played a crucial role in the team's success, also contributing to their victory in the UEFA Nations League.