The 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will not only decide the new world champions… but could also mark a historic individual milestone.

If the ‘Albiceleste’ are crowned champions, Lionel Messi will win his second World Cup (following Qatar 2022) and join an exclusive club which, to date, has had only one member in the entire history of football.

Ronaldo Nazário, the only two-time winner

Currently, Ronaldo Nazário is the only footballer in history to have at least two Ballon d’Or awards (1997–2002) and two World Cups (1994–2002) to his name.

The Brazilian striker dominated the game at the turn of the century and etched his name into the golden pages of football history with this remarkable record. However, Messi is on the verge of equalling him.

If the Argentine manages to lift the trophy against Spain, he will have two World Cups and a total of eight Ballons d’Or (2009–2010–2011–2012–2015–2019–2021–2023).

Why has no one else ever achieved this in history?

Although Germany were four-time world champions and boasted great Ballon d'Or winners such as Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus, none of them managed to win two World Cups as players.

The gaps between Germany’s World Cup titles (1954–1974–1990–2014) made it impossible for a single generation to retain the World Cup crown.

Beckenbauer’s case is unique, as he did indeed win two World Cups, but not both as a player. In 1974, he was crowned champion as a player, whilst in 1990 he did so as manager.

On the other hand, legends of the calibre of Pelé (three World Cups) or Garrincha (two World Cups) were unable to join this select group because, in their day, the ‘Ballon d'Or’ was reserved solely for European footballers.

The award was opened up to footballers of all nationalities from 1995 onwards, thereby allowing non-European players to compete for the prestigious prize as well.

Messi’s date with history

This Sunday, Messi has the chance to write his name in the history books once again, just as he has done throughout this 2026 World Cup.

With eight Ballon d’Or awards already under his belt, lifting another World Cup trophy would make him the second player to join this elite group of two-time Ballon d’Or and World Cup winners.

Will he be able to do it?

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