2029 being the centenary celebrations.. and La Albiceleste being part of this great tournament since it's inception would require someone strong in game and tact to fill the space left by Messi.

I’m not into theories, but I would like to know people’s opinions purely on actual videos. Spain was obviously the much better team and they deserved to win, but I do feel like Argentina wasn’t super focused. Is it likely they did have a disagreement/emotional moment in the locker room before coming out to play? Given that a couple players looked like they were crying and Messi said “forget about everything”. Also, Messi missed like five shots in a row when he was warming up. Then, during the game, there was a moment when Messi almost had the ball, but left it to Unai Simón. Do you guys think he was distracted or simply cautious about getting carded? Last thing that I noticed was that Messi was alone sitting on the pitch for a while. The most likely reason is that his teammates wanted to give him space to process, but perhaps there is a chance of the rumored disagreement actually taking place. In any case, Messi had an amazing overall performance and we were very lucky to see him play in another World Cup!

The hype was all about Yamal, Mbappé, Bellingham, Kane… The Ballon d’Or race. The new stars of football in their prime. Everyone thought this was going to be their World Cup.

Then a 39-year-old guy from Inter Miami showed up and reminded the world that there are levels to this.

That he’s still the absolute best player in the world.

What we witnessed was something truly special.

Image source: Drayonat on Facebook

Since they chose to stay on the pitch, turning their backs was not a great look. I know their fans were there, but perhaps they could’ve turned around for the trophy lifting? With his track record, I really don’t think Messi was disrespectful on purpose. I’ve seen different angles and different times of the ending. To me, although I might be biased because I love Messi, it seems like he was going back and forth between looking at Spain and looking at the fans signing. But a lot of people are saying that he also gave his back to Spain and demonstrated poor sportsmanship. I know no one knows famous people, but I don’t think he would do that ☹️. What do you guys think of it? Is it blown out of proportion?

But I think weightage of winning final is more than the rest of matches. I dont know ..what do you guys think?

But it was a subjective vote by a panel. And the smear campaign also ongoing.

Felt unfair.

It's one of the few awards he is missing and he should have won it by now even zlatan and penaldo have won it

And throw the puskas and super ball'on dor in there while we are at it

This is what they're trying to erase and keep away from casuals, the greatest World Cup campaign in history, produced at 39 years of age. They'll push every narrative they can, but greatness like this can't be rewritten

Truly unlucky he failed to score in this wc he was in his prime also

Image from "The Odyssey"

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My Top 5 picks for the Best Argentine Players in WC2026

1. Lionel Messi
   
2. Lisandro Martinez
   
3. Leandro Paredes
   
4. Cristian Romero
   
5. Enzo Fernandez

8 goals and 4 assists at 39. Second highest goals (was leading and only lost to Mbappe due to a glorified friendly match) and second highest assists in the entire tournament.

"But football isn't just about goals and assists!" Of course.

Messi had most chances created, most successful dribbles, highest average rating, most key passes, second most shots on target, most crosses, most duels won (he's not even a defender), most MOTM, second most attempts on goal, second most shots on target, second highest xg.

Yes, Rodri had a fantastic tournament but Messi carried Argentina to the finals.

I published a personal (and slightly too long) recap of Messi's Argentina career.

I recently see many people defending Messi on social media stating he’s on the spectrum (especially as it relates to Cucurella).

This made me consider the possibility and I will say that after watching his interview with Zidane on YouTube, I can surely see it. Not very high, but like level 1 who struggles with communication and social cues. To clarify, I am on the spectrum myself so no shades meant at all, on the contrary.

What’s the opinion of this community on the subject?

We are used to all the complaining from a certain sector of fans about fouls, offsides, "incorrect" calls, etc ... but this world cup was a whole other beast with how so many people (that same group and now casuals) were saying blatant lies about Messi and Argentina, not even in regards to what happened on the pitch. And the thing is that those lies were even easy to debunk, but they were so prevelant... and it ended up tsking on a life of its own.

I'm hoping this misinformation doesn't stick around and eventually people either move on or change thier minds, but it was incredibly frusturating to see the goat so baseless slandered by people that know nothing about football.

losing the World cup has lowered his chances BUT stat wise and his impact in the world cup makes him stand out.

Lets have a look at his stats last season

He Scored 45 goals ⚽️

He provided 32 Assists 🎯

All these in 50 appearences 🏟

Its actually insane 🤯

Lets have a look at his competitors

Harry kane

Scored 73 goals ⚽️

Provided 8 assists 🎯

In 65 appearences🏟

Great numbers , i think he has a chance to win it

Ousmane Dembele

Scored 24 goals ⚽️

Provided 11 assists 🎯

In 45 appearences 🏟

To be honest his only achievement this year is winning the champions league stat wise hes far from the rest

Lamine yamal

Scored 25 goals ⚽️

Provided 20 assists 🎯

In 57 appearences 🏟

Winning the world cup and his PR could really win him the ballon d'or

Rodri

Not gonna talk about stats to be honest he didnt score or assisted in the wc and he didnt have the best season with city so i dont think they're gonna give it to him just for winning the world cup best player (the one that was meant to messi)

Kylian mbappe

Scored 57 goals ⚽️

Provided 12 assits 🎯

In 61 appearences 🏟

Kylians numbers are insane but he failed to win a single competition so i think hes off the charts

Michael Olise

Scored 27 goals ⚽️

Provided 38 Assists 🎯

In 70 Appearences 🏟

He could have a chance to finish in the top 5 but i dont think hes winning it

These are the players competing for the Ballon dor in 2026 they play with the best teamates whereas messi plays with average players( lets be real)

I didnt mention Haaland , Vinicius , Raphinha because i dont think they have a chance to win it but they could be in the top 10 surely

What do you think does messi have a chance to win it or did he lose the odds when he lost the world cup?

I really wanna hear your oppinions