SBOTOP One Step Away: Messi’s Stunning World Cup Run Has Football Talking Again

At 39 years old, Lionel Messicontinues to redefine greatness. Just when many believed his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) would signal the twilight of his career, the Argentine icon has once again taken center stage on football’s biggest platform. His remarkable performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have reignited one of the sport’s biggest debates: can Messi win an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or?

Argentina’s captain has been instrumental in leading La Albiceleste to another World Cup final. With decisive goals, crucial assists, and unmatched leadership, Messi has reminded the world why he is still considered one of football’s greatest players.

As the Ballon d’Or conversation intensifies, his World Cup heroics may prove to be the deciding factor.

Messi Delivers Another World Cup Masterclass

Lionel Messi once again showed why big occasions bring out the very best in him.

During Argentina’s dramatic semifinal victory over England, the veteran forward produced two brilliant assists that helped his team overturn the match and secure a place in the World Cup final.

While younger stars grabbed headlines throughout the tournament, Messi quietly continued producing decisive moments when Argentina needed them most.

His influence has extended far beyond goals and assists.

Throughout the competition, Messi has demonstrated:

1. Outstanding vision and creativity.
2. Exceptional leadership on the pitch.
3. Calm decision-making under pressure.
4. Incredible consistency despite his age.
5. Match-winning quality in knockout football.

These performances have strengthened his Ballon d’Or credentials significantly.

A New World Cup Record Adds to His Legacy

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become another historic tournament for Lionel Messi.

During Argentina’s run to the final, he became the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, adding yet another extraordinary milestone to an already legendary career.

In addition, Messi currently leads the race for the Golden Boot, underlining his continued ability to perform against the world’s strongest national teams.

Achieving those milestones at 39 years old has surprised even many of his biggest admirers.

It also challenges the long-held belief that playing outside Europe’s top five leagues automatically reduces a player’s ability to compete at the highest level.

MLS Has Not Slowed Messi Down

When Messi chose to continue his club career in Major League Soccer, some questioned whether the level of competition would eventually affect his international performances.

The 2026 World Cup has provided a powerful response.

Rather than looking physically diminished, Messi has appeared refreshed, motivated, and fully capable of dominating elite opposition.

His performances have demonstrated that:

1. Technical quality remains world-class.
2. Football intelligence often outweighs physical decline.
3. Experience continues to make a decisive difference.
4. Leadership becomes even more valuable in knockout tournaments.

The World Cup has effectively silenced many doubts surrounding his ability to compete against Europe’s biggest stars.

Can Messi Really Win Ballon d’Or Number Nine?

Despite his sensational World Cup campaign, the Ballon d’Or race remains extremely competitive.

Unlike previous years, several players enjoyed outstanding club seasons before the international tournament began.

That means Messi’s World Cup performances alone may not automatically secure the award.

However, winning another FIFA World Cup with Argentina could dramatically strengthen his case.

Many analysts believe lifting football’s biggest trophy would become the decisive argument in his favor.

A ninth Ballon d’Or would extend his record even further and represent one of the greatest individual achievements in football history.

Harry Kane Remains a Major Contender

Among Messi’s biggest competitors is England captain Harry Kane.

Although England suffered semifinal heartbreak against Argentina, Kane enjoyed arguably the finest club season of his career with Bayern Munich.

His achievements include:

1. Scoring 61 goals across all competitions.
2. Winning two domestic trophies.
3. Claiming the European Golden Shoe for the second time.
4. Finishing the season with a hat-trick in the DFB-Pokal final.

Those remarkable statistics make Kane one of the strongest candidates despite England falling short of the World Cup final.

His club performances throughout the 2025/26 season remain impossible to ignore.

Michael Olise Emerges as a Surprise Challenger

Another player attracting significant Ballon d’Or attention is Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

The French international enjoyed an extraordinary second half of the season and played a crucial role in Bayern’s domestic success.

His campaign featured:

1. Twenty-two goals.
2. Thirty-one assists.
3. Fifty-two appearances.
4. Outstanding Champions League performances.
5. A Bundesliga title.

Perhaps most impressively, Olise’s overall attacking numbers surpassed those of his France teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Those statistics have elevated him into genuine Ballon d’Or contention.

Ousmane Dembele’s Challenge Fades

Defending Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele also entered the race after producing several decisive performances during the Champions League knockout rounds.

Although injuries affected the early part of his campaign, Dembele recovered strongly and helped his club secure European success.

However, France’s elimination in the World Cup semifinals has likely damaged his chances of retaining football’s most prestigious individual prize.

Without another deep international run, overcoming Messi’s World Cup brilliance could prove extremely difficult.

Why the World Cup Could Decide Everything

Historically, performances in major international tournaments often carry enormous weight during Ballon d’Or voting.

This year’s competition appears no different.

If Argentina complete their World Cup journey by lifting the trophy, Messi would strengthen his case in several important areas:

1. World Cup champion.
2. Tournament leader.
3. All-time World Cup top scorer.
4. Golden Boot contender.
5. Inspirational captain.

Few individual campaigns could match such an extraordinary combination of achievements.

Final Thoughts

Lionel Messi has once again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players. At an age when most legends have already retired, the Argentine superstar continues to dominate on the sport’s biggest stage, leading Argentina to another FIFA World Cup final while breaking historic records along the way.

Although Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele have all enjoyed exceptional seasons, Messi’s World Cup performances may ultimately prove impossible to overlook. Should Argentina capture the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, the dream of winning a record-breaking ninth Ballon d’Or could become more than just speculation—it could become football history.