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Rodri and Messi in contention for FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 5:32 AM

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

Rodri and Messi in contention for FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball

Summary

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball race is heating up ahead of the final. Argentina's Lionel Messi and Spain's Rodri Hernandez are the top contenders for the tournament's MVP honors. Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, is viewed as the favorite, while Rodri's strong performances have garnered significant attention. Experts give Messi a 40% chance to win, Rodri a 22% chance, and England's Jude Bellingham, who netted a critical goal in the third-place match, a 33% chance. The final decision on the Golden Ball will heavily depend on performances in the match between Argentina and Spain this Sunday.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Lionel Messi leads with a 40% chance for Golden Ball.
•Rodri Hernandez is considered a strong contender with a 22% chance.
•Jude Bellingham's goal could influence MVP voting despite missing the final.
•The final match on Sunday will be crucial for determining the Golden Ball winner.
•Spain's path to the final included wins over France and Portugal.

Latest Updates

5:32 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Could Go to Spanish Star

What they're saying

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball could go to a Spanish star, though Lionel Messi will have something to say about it. The post FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Could Go to Spanish Star appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Inter Miami FIFA World Cup Soccer