Golden double within touching distance for Messi

Lionel Messi has already won almost everything football has to offer. He has lifted the FIFA World Cup, collected a record number of Ballon d’Or awards and inspired Argentina through some of the greatest moments in the sport’s history.

Yet, even after a career filled with individual and team honours, one World Cup individual prize has continued to evade him -- the Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament’s top scorer.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

The Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player, is more familiar territory. Messi has won it two times, in 2014 and 2022, and now stands as the frontrunner to claim it for a record-extending third time as Argentina prepare to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final tonight.

Messi’s case this time is built on more than numbers. The 39-year-old Argentina captain has been central to his team’s title defence run so far, influencing matches through goals, assists, creativity and leadership. His eight goals and four assists have contributed to 12 of Argentina’s 19 goals, while his ability to produce decisive moments in difficult situations has once again showcased his immense importance.

In Qatar 2022, Messi scored seven goals but narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot as Kylian Mbappe claimed the award with eight. This time, the rivalry has continued.

After the semifinals, Messi and Mbappe were level on eight goals. However, two assists against England moved Messi ahead with 12 goal contributions compared to Mbappe’s 11. Mbappe, though, scored twice in the bronze-medal match to get his nose ahead.

Under FIFA regulations, assists serve as the first tiebreaker for the Golden Boot if players finish level on goals. If goals and assists are also level, the award goes to the player who has played fewer minutes. 

Messi’s path to another Golden Ball, however, is not without competition.

Spain’s midfield general Rodri remains one of his strongest challengers. While Spain’s attacking stars have attracted much of the attention, their remarkable defensive record has been built on Rodri’s control and balance in midfield.

Spain have conceded only once in seven matches, with Rodri providing the foundation from which their attacking players have flourished. His composure under pressure, passing precision and defensive contributions have made him an equally valuable candidate, even without the spectacular numbers associated with fellow Ballon D’or-winner Messi.

Messi magic in numbers 

Following is a look at the numbers Messi has tracked up in this tournament.

8- Messi has scored is eight goals in this tournament, second only to Kylian Mbappe. He also has created eight big chances in this edition, the most by any player.

34- He has 34 shots this World Cup, the most by any player.

18-Messi has 18 shots on target, the second-highest in the tournament.

49 & 19- He has 49 crosses and 19 crosses completed, both the most of any player.

21- Messi completed 21 key passes, the highest for any player this tournament.

158- Messi's 158 passes in the attacking third are the second-most of any player behind Pedri (175).

25- Messi has 25 dribbles completed and his opponent in the final Lamine Yamal is the only other player in the tournament with 20+ dribbles (22).

48- He has 48 take-ons, which is the second-most of any player behind Yamal (52).

76- Messi has 76 possessions ending in a shot, the most of any player.

63.6- Messi has averaged 63.6 seconds per possession, the second-longest average of all forwards behind Julián Alvarez (min. 400 minutes played).

34- Messi has taken 34 corners, the second-most of any player behind Canada's Stephen Eustaquio (44).