Ballon d’Or, World Cup: Messi to equal Ronaldo’s record

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, is set to equal a record held by Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario if he wins the 2026 World Cup final with his country on Sunday night.

Messi will lead Argentina to face Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.

If the Albiceleste are crowned champions, Messi will win his second World Cup (following Qatar 2022) and join Ronaldo in an exclusive club.

Ronaldo is currently the only footballer in history to have at least two Ballon d’Or awards (1997 and 2002) and two World Cups (1994 and 2002) to his name.

However, Messi is on the verge of equalling the former Real Madrid striker.

If  Argentina manages to lift the trophy against Spain, the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward will have two World Cups and a total of eight Ballon d’Or awards to his name.

Recall that Messi won the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.