Fans on X have reacted to a post about Lionel Messi winning a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or following his heroics at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Many argued that the 38-year-old should not be considered a frontrunner for the individual accolade based solely on his World Cup showing.
Messi has had an incredible World Cup outing so far, guiding Argentina to two wins and scoring all their goals. The Inter Miami ace scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Algeria and then a brace as La Albiceleste saw off Austria 2-0.
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As it stands, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is primed to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball. The chances of Argentina retaining their title also look possible with how they have performed so far, led by Messi.
Following another standout display against Austria on Monday (June 22), @TouchlineX posed a question to fans, saying:
“True or False: Lionel Messi is a Ballon d’Or candidate?”
Reacting to the post, fans pushed back at the idea that the World Cup alone should decide the Ballon d’Or. A fan said:
“Because of a few goals vs Algeria and Austria, what is this PR bro?”
A second fan questioned Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or candidacy, stating that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves it more.
“What did he win this season that made him a Ballon d’Or candidate? If at all it’s Ronaldo”, the fan wrote.
“Just give it to him bro, this shit has no value anymore”, another chimed in.
“Recency bias can go all the way. You’d be surprised”, a fan posted.
“Kane had an 80g/a season just for an MLS player to get Ballon d’Or shouts”, another commented.
A fan sarcastically claimed that the Ballon d’Or belongs to Messi, while his archrival Ronaldo gets the Globe Soccer award.
“It’s now 100% guaranteed that Ballon d’Or and Fifa the Best 2026 belongs to Lionel Messi while Globe Soccer award for Middle East player of the year belongs to one and only Cristiano Ronaldo, he will be winning it back-to-back, a great feat”, they said.
“You people have started. He has always been FIFA boy. Not surprised”, another tweeted.
Notably, Lionel Messi has been awarded the Ballon d’Or on two occasions following prominent World Cup performances. After finishing as runner-up in 2014 and winning the tournament in 2022, he received the accolade in 2015 and 2023, respectively.
Shakira sends message to Lionel Messi following 2026 FIFA World Cup heroics
Colombian singer Shakira sent a message to Lionel Messi after his scintillating performance against Austria on Monday. The Argentine skipper scored a brace, becoming the leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup in the process.
In a post on her Instagram story, Shakira tagged Messi and wrote:
“So proud of you, Leo, and of everything you’re achieving for your family, your country, and the entire Latino community. Your commitment and dedication are an example to many. Keep shining!”
Messi will look to lead La Albiceleste all the way to the final and become the first captain to win back-to-back World Cups. Argentina wraps up their group-stage fixtures with a dead-rubber clash against Jordan on June 27.
Edited by Okenna Okere
