Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, has a chance to match a special record held by Brazilian football star, Ronaldo Nazário. This could happen when he leads Argentina against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
If Argentina wins and keeps their title from the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, Messi will earn his second World Cup trophy. He will then become only the second player in football history to win at least two FIFA World Cups and two Ballon d’Or awards, according to PUNCH Online.
Currently, Ronaldo is the only player to have reached this milestone. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and again in 2002, and he also earned Ballon d’Or awards in 1997 and 2002.
Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, claimed his first World Cup trophy in Qatar four years ago. Now, he has a chance to equal Ronaldo’s record if Argentina beats Spain in the final on Sunday.
This record remains unmatched for various reasons linked to football history and the timing of key international wins.
Germany has won four World Cup titles, but famous Ballon d’Or winners like 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.
Also, Brazilian legends like Pelé and Garrincha won several World Cups but could not win the Ballon d’Or during their playing days. Until 1995, the award was only for European footballers.
In 1995, the Ballon d’Or opened up to players from all over the world. This change allowed stars like Ronaldo and Messi to compete for the award.
Messi, who already holds a record with his eight Ballon d’Or titles, will have a chance to further his legacy when Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup final. If he wins, he will join Ronaldo as the only players to have at least two Ballon d’Or awards and two FIFA World Cup titles.
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