Messi Poised for Ballon d’Or Glory After World Cup Triumph

Lionel Messi’s long-awaited first World Cup victory could pave the way for the Argentine icon to claim an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or award.

After years of agonising near-misses, the 37-year-old finally got his hands on international football’s ultimate prize in Qatar last year, leading his country to glory in a dramatic final against France.

Messi’s majestic performances throughout the tournament, capped by his match-winning display in the showpiece, have thrust him firmly back into contention for the prestigious individual accolade.

Should he clinch the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Messi would extend his own record, moving one clear of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of five.

Analysts believe Messi’s World Cup triumph, coupled with his continued excellence at club level with Paris Saint-Germain, will be the decisive factors in swaying the vote.

“Winning the World Cup is the holy grail for any footballer, and for Messi it was the missing piece in his unparalleled collection,” noted respected French journalist Pierre Dorian.

“His performance in the final, where he scored and then converted the decisive penalty, was the stuff of legend. Voters will find it incredibly difficult to overlook that crowning achievement.”

Messi’s main competition is likely to come from his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer in Qatar. The young Frenchman is widely tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner.

However, Mbappé’s heartbreak in the final, coupled with Argentina’s triumph, could work in Messi’s favour as voters seek to recognise the veteran’s lifetime of excellence finally being rewarded on the global stage.

“Messi has been knocking on the door for years, coming so close time and time again,” added Dorian. “I think this will be the year it all comes together for him – the World Cup, his continued club form, and his status as the greatest of his generation. It’s his Ballon d’Or to lose.”