Could another World Cup triumph earn Messi a historic Ninth Ballon d’Or?

As Argentina continue their quest to defend the FIFA World Cup title, one familiar debate has once again taken center stage in world football: can Lionel Messi win an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or if he leads his country to another World Cup crown?

At 39 years old, Messi continues to defy expectations. The Argentine captain has already delivered a remarkable campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring six goals, breaking multiple records, and surpassing German legend Miroslav Klose to become the highest scorer in World Cup history. His performances have once again reminded fans why he remains one of the greatest footballers the sport has ever seen.

With Argentina marching deeper into the tournament, speculation surrounding the Ballon d’Or has intensified. Many supporters believe another World Cup triumph would make Messi the overwhelming favorite to claim football’s most prestigious individual award for a record ninth time. However, history suggests the situation may be more complicated.

Winning the World Cup has often strengthened a player’s Ballon d’Or credentials, but it has never guaranteed success. Over the decades, only a select group of footballers have managed to win both honors in the same year. Legends such as Bobby Charlton, Paolo Rossi, Lothar Matthäus, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario and Fabio Cannavaro all achieved the rare feat after leading their nations to World Cup glory.

Yet football history also provides several examples where World Cup success did not translate into Ballon d’Or victory. In 2010, Spain captured its first World Cup title, but Messi won the award ahead of Spanish stars Andrés Iniesta and Xavi. Similarly, Germany’s World Cup triumph in 2014 failed to deliver the Ballon d’Or to Manuel Neuer, as Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the prize instead.

The most recent example came in 2022 when Messi inspired Argentina to a memorable World Cup victory in Qatar before securing his eighth Ballon d’Or. That achievement strengthened the connection between World Cup success and individual recognition, especially when a player performs at an extraordinary level throughout the tournament.

This year, Messi appears to be building another compelling case. His leadership, goals, and ability to influence crucial matches have been instrumental in Argentina’s title defense. If he can guide La Albiceleste to back-to-back World Cup championships, his chances of lifting another Ballon d’Or could increase dramatically.

The final answer will arrive on October 26, when football’s biggest stars gather in London for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Until then, Messi’s pursuit of history remains one of the most captivating stories of the World Cup.