World football’s governing body, FIFA, has come under criticism from sections of the Argentine media following its decision to award Spain midfielder Rodri the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision has sparked debate among football fans and pundits after Lionel Messi missed out on the prestigious individual award despite another outstanding tournament with Argentina.
Messi’s dream of leading Argentina to back to back World Cup titles ended in heartbreak after the South American champions suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s final. While Spain celebrated winning their second World Cup crown, the post match awards ceremony became another major talking point after Rodri was named the tournament’s best player.
Some journalists in Argentina believe Messi deserved to receive the Golden Ball instead, arguing that his performances throughout the competition made him the standout player of the tournament.
Argentina Fall Short in the Final
Argentina entered the World Cup final hoping to successfully defend the title they won in Qatar four years earlier.
However, Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to produce their usual attacking football against a disciplined Spanish team. Throughout normal time, Argentina failed to register a single shot on target, highlighting how effectively Spain controlled the contest.
The challenge became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card late in the match, leaving Argentina with only ten players for the closing stages.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Argentina fought hard and appeared ready to take the game to a penalty shootout.
Those hopes were eventually ended in extra time when Ferran Torres scored the winning goal for Spain, securing a famous victory and delivering the country’s first World Cup title since 2010.
The defeat was a painful ending for Argentina, who had produced another impressive campaign but fell just short in the biggest match of the tournament.
Spain Celebrate Historic Success
Spain’s victory marked another memorable chapter in the nation’s football history.
After lifting the World Cup trophy, several Spanish players were also recognised with individual awards during the medal ceremony.
Rodri received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after playing a key role throughout Spain’s successful campaign.
Defender Pau Cubarsi and goalkeeper Unai Simon also received individual recognition following their impressive performances during the competition.
The awards reflected Spain’s dominance throughout the tournament as they combined strong defending, excellent midfield control, and disciplined team performances on their way to becoming world champions.
While many praised FIFA’s selections, others believed Lionel Messi should have been recognised for his contribution to Argentina’s journey to the final.
Messi Enjoyed Another Outstanding Tournament
Although Argentina did not lift the trophy, Lionel Messi once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history.
The Argentina captain finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, making him one of the competition’s most productive attacking players.
At 39 years old, Messi continued to perform at the highest level, inspiring Argentina throughout the tournament with his leadership, creativity, and ability to decide important matches.
Many supporters viewed the competition as what will almost certainly be his final World Cup appearance.
His performances captured the attention of football fans across the world, with stadiums filled by supporters hoping to watch one of the game’s greatest players one last time on football’s biggest stage.
Despite those achievements, Messi finished second in the Golden Ball voting behind Rodri.
Argentine Journalist Strongly Disagrees
One of the strongest reactions came from TyC Sports journalist Antonio Serpa, who openly criticised FIFA’s decision during an appearance on Argentine television.
Serpa argued that awarding the Golden Ball to Rodri instead of Messi showed what he described as a lack of understanding of the impact the Argentina captain had on the tournament.
He said:
“Giving the award to Rodri is almost an insult, it shows a complete lack of sensitivity.
“Not because the Spaniard is a bad player, but simply because Lionel Messi was the heart and soul of Argentina and the World Cup.
“He graced the pitches with his brilliance and tears at 39, filling the nets with goals and the stadiums with fans of every nationality who came to see this phenomenon of all time in person.
“If the criteria is to give awards to the winners, then Infantino and his team need to be told that football is won with goals, not passes.
“Rodri didn’t just fail to score a goal in this World Cup: he made two billion passes and not a single one resulted in an assist.”
Serpa stressed that his criticism was not directed at Rodri personally. Instead, he argued that Messi’s influence on the tournament should have been recognised with the Golden Ball.
Debate Over Individual Awards
The discussion surrounding FIFA’s decision highlights how subjective individual awards can be.
Some observers believe the Golden Ball should always go to the player who has had the greatest overall influence on the tournament, regardless of whether his team wins the competition.
Others believe players from the winning team deserve greater recognition because their performances contributed directly to lifting the trophy.
Rodri played a vital role in Spain’s midfield throughout the tournament, helping his side control possession and dictate the tempo of matches.
Messi, meanwhile, delivered outstanding attacking numbers while carrying Argentina to another World Cup final.
Both players enjoyed exceptional tournaments, making the final decision one that was always likely to divide opinion.
Messi’s Legacy Remains Untouched
Although he missed out on the Golden Ball, many football fans believe the decision does little to change Lionel Messi’s extraordinary legacy.
The Argentina captain has already built one of the greatest careers in football history, winning countless individual awards and team trophies during an incredible journey that has inspired millions around the world.
His performances at the 2026 World Cup once again demonstrated his remarkable quality, even in the later stages of his career.
Leading Argentina to another World Cup final while contributing eight goals and four assists is an achievement that further strengthens his place among football’s all time greats.
For many supporters, individual awards are important, but they do not define a player’s legacy.
A Decision That Will Continue to Divide Opinion
FIFA’s choice to award the Golden Ball to Rodri instead of Lionel Messi is likely to remain one of the most talked about moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Supporters of Spain believe Rodri deserved the honour after playing a central role in their title winning campaign, while many Argentina fans feel Messi’s brilliance throughout the tournament should have been rewarded.
The debate reflects just how influential both players were during the competition.
While opinions may differ over who deserved the award, there is little doubt that Rodri and Messi were among the standout performers at the World Cup.
As the discussions continue, one thing remains certain. The 2026 tournament produced unforgettable moments, outstanding performances, and another chapter in the remarkable career of Lionel Messi, whose impact on world football will be remembered long after the final whistle in New Jersey.
Share this:
