Messi will win the ninth Ballon d’Or.

In football, there are moments that go beyond games and titles and become stations where history itself is redefined, and what Lionel Messi is experiencing until the 2026 World Cup final is not just another chance to win the crown with Argentina, but a real chance to write a chapter that could be the most exceptional in his legendary career.

The Argentinian is one match away from retaining his second consecutive World Cup title, while also setting his sights on the bigger goal of a ninth Ballon d’Or.

At thirty-nine, Messi still acts as if time has stood still at the height of his glory, and while the world is used to seeing players decline at this age, the Argentine captain continues to lead his country to major matches and make a difference at the tournament’s most important moments, re-asking the question that seemed fanciful years ago. d’Or race.