Messi Drops Bombshell Two-Word Ballon d'Or Confession
Faced with choosing between claiming another Ballon d'Or or successfully defending Argentina's World Cup crown, Lionel Messi responded without delay: "World Cup."
The legendary figure enjoys the exceptional privilege of possessing both personal and team achievements at football's pinnacle: Messi stands among only three male World Cup champions who have claimed the Ballon d'Or multiple times.
The Inter Miami captain has raised the coveted golden sphere awarded yearly by France Football an impressive eight times, easily the most in the award's 69-year existence. Nevertheless, it took until his fifth World Cup campaign to secure that particular prize.
Obviously, the ambition to accomplish that achievement again outweighs his personal goals—as Messi demonstrated in a rapid-fire interview with 433. These preferences differ from many in today's younger football generation.
Every Male World Cup Champion With Multiple Ballon d'Or Victories
Player | Ballon d'Or Victories | World Cup Victory(ies) |
|---|---|---|
Lionel Messi | 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) | 2022 (Argentina) |
Ronaldo | 2 (1997, 2002) | 1994, 2002 (Brazil) |
Franz Beckenbauer | 2 (1972, 1976) | 1974 (West Germany) |
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold received the identical question as Messi: Ballon d'Or or World Cup. The England player has yet to secure either accolade but reached a different conclusion: "Don't play the game; change the game," served as Alexander-Arnold's reasoning for obvious self-advancement.
Messi bears some responsibility for today's fixation with the Ballon d'Or. Alexander-Arnold and most players pursuing current individual recognition would have matured watching the Argentine intensely compete with Cristiano Ronaldo for the increasingly prestigious award. During an era when Twitter's emergence fueled debates about the greatest player ever, the Ballon d'Or transformed into the ultimate measure of excellence.
Following numerous evasive statements, Messi acknowledged last month his desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup—provided he doesn't become "a hindrance" to Lionel Scaloni's squad.
Lionel Messi Rules Out Club Coaching
In the identical 433 segment, Messi faced a choice between club coaching or ownership. The Argentine quickly selected anything except the sideline role.
Despite Messi recently signing a fresh three-year deal with Inter Miami, his future after retirement has attracted increased attention lately. The 38-year-old cannot continue indefinitely—regardless of his current club's wishes.
Messi recently disclosed plans to return to Barcelona with his family eventually and suggested in a revealing Instagram message some involvement with the club. The extraordinarily talented striker has previously rejected coaching possibilities—very few players with such remarkable skill have become successful managers—but the possibility of serving as sporting director has been mentioned before.