World Cup Final: Messi Chases Rare Ronaldo Football Record

• Lionel Messi is one victory away from matching a remarkable record held only by Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário.

• If Argentina defeat Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will join an exclusive club in football history.

Lionel Messi has another piece of football history within reach as Argentina prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.

The Argentine captain could become just the second player ever to win at least two FIFA World Cups and two Ballon d’Or awards, matching a unique achievement held exclusively by Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário.

Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is aiming to defend the title and lift the famous trophy for a second time. Victory over Spain would add another milestone to his already glittering career.

Ronaldo remains the only footballer to achieve the rare feat, having won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, while also claiming the Ballon d’Or in 1997 and 2002.

Messi has already surpassed most individual records in the game, winning a record eight Ballon d’Or awards. A triumph on Sunday would see him join Ronaldo in an exclusive category that has remained untouched for decades.

The achievement has proven difficult because very few Ballon d’Or winners have also enjoyed multiple World Cup successes. German legends Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus each won the prestigious individual award but never lifted two World Cups as players.

Brazilian icons Pelé and Garrincha also won multiple World Cup titles but were never eligible for the Ballon d’Or during their playing careers, as the award was limited to European players until 1995.

With the Ballon d’Or now open to players of all nationalities, Messi has the opportunity to equal Ronaldo’s historic record and further cement his status among the greatest footballers of all time.

All eyes will now be on MetLife Stadium on Sunday as Argentina take on Spain, with Messi standing just one victory away from another unforgettable chapter in football history.