Messi becomes first player to win two Golden Balls at FIFA World Cup
Argentina star Lionel Messi on Sunday became the first player in the FIFA World Cup history to win the Golden Ball award twice after scoring seven goals in an event.
Messi scored twice in the final in Doha, taking his tally of goals at the tournament to seven, and also scored in the shoot-out as Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
Kylian Mbappe came second to Messi for that award but did win the Golden Boot for the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, one ahead of the Argentine skipper.
Luka Modric came third in the running for the best player after helping Croatia finish third.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez took the Golden Glove for the World Cup’s best goalkeeper, while his compatriot Enzo Fernandez, 21, was named the best young player.
Argentina’s victory over France saw them claim the World Cup for the third time following their triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
Earlier, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball in the 2014 World Cup.
Here are Golden Ball Award winners:
2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
2018: Luka Modric (Croatia)
2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
2010: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
2006: Zinedine Zidane (France)
2002: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
1998: Ronaldo (Brazil)
1994: Romario (Brazil)
1990: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
1986: Diego Maradona (Argentina)
1982: Paolo Rossi (Italy)
