Messi wins Golden Ball for second time in World Cup

Messi
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi lifting his Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup as the tournament's best player. Photo: Goal.com

Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has won the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup after being named the tournament’s best player.

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.

The Argentina captain finally picked up the one trophy that had eluded him in his phenomenal career on Sunday as he led his team to glory at the World Cup. Messi has been in inspirational form in Qatar, scoring seven goals and picking up three assists.

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The 35-year-old was pipped to the Golden Boot by PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe but takes home the World Cup trophy and the Golden Ball for being the best player. Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez won Young Player of the Tournament, while La Albiceleste’s No.1 goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez scooped the Golden Glove award.

Goal.com said 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).