Messi Needs a Miracle to Beat Mbappé, But One Historic Trophy Is Almost His!

As Argentina prepares to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final , the spotlight once again belongs to Lionel Messi , who stands on the brink of adding another remarkable chapter to his legendary career.

While lifting the World Cup trophy remains the ultimate goal, Messi also has individual milestones within reach. The 39-year-old is chasing a record-extending third Golden Ball , awarded to the tournament's best player, after leading Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final with another series of match-winning performances.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni summed up his captain's impact in simple words: "He is the history. He is the legend."

Winning the Golden Boot , however, will require something extraordinary. Messi has scored eight goals in the tournament, but now trails France's Kylian Mbappé , who moved to 10 goals after scoring twice in France's thrilling 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff. Messi would need a standout performance in the final to overtake the French star and claim the tournament's top-scorer award.

If he manages the feat, Messi would become the first player since Ronaldo in 2002 to win the Golden Boot while helping his country lift the World Cup.

Even without finishing as the tournament's leading scorer, Messi remains the overwhelming favourite for the Golden Ball . He already won the honour in 2014 , despite Argentina finishing runners-up, and again in 2022 , when he inspired his nation to World Cup glory.

Spain, meanwhile, also has strong contenders for the tournament's individual honours. Goalkeeper Unai Simón , who has conceded just one goal in seven matches, is among the favourites for the Golden Glove , while teenage sensation Yamine Lamal has emerged as a leading candidate for the Best Young Player Award after dazzling throughout the tournament.

With football's biggest prize and several prestigious individual awards on the line, Sunday's final promises to be more than a battle for the trophy. For Messi, it is another opportunity to cement a legacy that already ranks among the greatest the sport has ever witnessed.