Messi has scooped the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball award after captaining his side to victory in Qatar. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar scored seven goals at the tournament, including a brace in the final, and picks up the award for the second time in his career.
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Messi has scored 26 goals in major international tournaments for Argentina (13 World Cup, 13 Copa América), the most of any South American player in history across the two competitions, overtaking Ronaldo (25).
Who has won most World Cup Golden Balls?
Lionel Messi has, after finally getting his hands on world football’s biggest prize, become the first man to win the Golden Ball on two occasions.
Having collected the award after suffering final heartache in 2014, the Argentine talisman had multiple reasons to celebrate at Qatar 2022 as he inspired his country to a first global crown since the days of Diego Maradona.
Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is the only goalkeeper to win the award, after picking it up in 2002, with goalkeepers now also having a category of their own in the form of the Golden Glove.
What is the World Cup Golden Ball?
The World Cup Golden Ball is the award given to the best player at a particular World Cup tournament. As well as a Golden Ball, FIFA awards the Silver Ball to the player deemed second best and a Bronze Ball to the third-best player.
The award is currently sponsored by the German sportswear manufacturer adidas and the French sports magazine France Football.
