Messi World Cup Dream Fuels Ballon d’Or Hopes

The quest by Lionel Messi to become an immortal in football may not yet be over. With the 2026 world cup getting increasingly nearer, a new controversy has surfaced over the possibility of another world victory with Argentina that can earn the Inter Miami captain an all-time nine Ballon d’Or.

Kledberson, a winner of the world cup as a Brazilian international, who at one time shared dressing rooms with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and since joined the Major League Soccer, thinks that the longevity of Messi is in itself astounding– but silverware could move the scales in favour of the player once again. Talking to GOAL, Kleberson emphasized how Messi is capable of breaking the standards into the end of his late 30s.

The last Ballon d’Or Messi won was in 2023, which was mostly influenced by his epic acts at the 2022 world cup in Qatar. It was during that tournament that the Argentine legend scored decisive goals, assists, and leadership at most important knock out moments, which led to the third world title of Argentina, after a long wait. It was a masterpiece that established him as one of the greatest sportsmen of all times.

At Inter Miami, Messi plays as a star and has not been seen to be slowing down. His influence in the Major League Soccer has been instant as the club has won silverwares and the league increased its popularity in the world. Kleberson says that the continued elite performances at the club level and leading Argentina into another successful run of the world cup would make Messi an almost inevitable choice on the Ballon d’Or.

The 2026 world cup is a one-of-a-kind story. It would be a great achievement in contemporary football in case Messi leads Argentina to win two consecutive titles. Elections are always attracted by historic events, and a world cup re-establishment would be more influential than up-and-coming talents in Europe.

Competition is very intense but Messi still maintains the consistency, leadership and legacy that keeps him apart. There is still another golden chapter that could be coming.