Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, could equal a unique record held by Brazilian legend, Ronaldo Nazário, when he leads the defending champions against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
If Argentina retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022, Messi would claim his second World Cup trophy and become only the second player in football history to win at least two FIFA World Cups and two Ballon d’Or awards.
Ronaldo is currently the only player to have achieved the feat, having won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, alongside Ballon d’Or titles in 1997 and 2002.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, lifted his first World Cup in Qatar four years ago and now has the opportunity to match Ronaldo’s achievement if Argentina defeat Spain in Sunday’s final.
The record has remained unmatched largely because of football’s history and the timing of major international successes.
Although Germany have won four World Cup titles, Ballon d’Or winners such as Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus did not win two World Cups as players.
Beckenbauer won the tournament as a player in 1974 and later as a coach in 1990.
Similarly, Brazilian greats Pelé and Garrincha won multiple World Cups but were ineligible for the Ballon d’Or during their playing careers because, until 1995, the award was restricted to European footballers.
The Ballon d’Or was opened to players of all nationalities from 1995, making it possible for non-European stars such as Ronaldo and Messi to compete for the award.
Messi, who has already collected a record eight Ballon d’Or titles, will have another opportunity to add to his legacy when Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final.
Victory would see him join Ronaldo as the only players to have won at least two Ballon d’Or awards and two FIFA World Cup titles.
The PUNCH