Messi Sole Player to Win Two World Cup Golden Balls
Short overview
Lionel Messi is the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup adidas Golden Ball award twice, a record he holds as the tournament approaches.
With two days remaining until the start of the FIFA World Cup, a notable record stands out: Lionel Messi is the only player to have won the adidas Golden Ball award twice. The Golden Ball is presented to the best player of each World Cup tournament.
Messi's Golden Ball Achievements
Messi first received the award in 2014 in Brazil, where he led Argentina to the final. He won it again in 2022 in Qatar, after captaining Argentina to their third World Cup title. No other player has won the award more than once.
Historical Context
The Golden Ball has been awarded since 1982. Previous winners include Paolo Rossi (1982), Diego Maradona (1986), and Zinedine Zidane (2006). Messi's double achievement underscores his sustained excellence on the world stage.
As the next World Cup approaches, Messi's record remains unmatched, highlighting his legacy as one of football's greatest players.
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