From Golden Boot to Ninth Ballon d'Or - Messi in front of multiple achievements

After playing an important role in taking Argentina to the World Cup final for the second consecutive time, Lionel Messi now has the opportunity to achieve multiple personal and team achievements. The 39-year-old star is in the running to win the World Cup's Golden Boot for the first time, the third Golden Ball, the second World Cup and a possible ninth Ballon d'Or.

Messi is considered one of the contenders for the Golden Boot due to his excellent performance in the current World Cup. According to the prediction-based company Kalshir, his chances of winning the award are shown as 59 percent.

However, Kylian Mbappe is now ahead of Messi in the list of goal scorers. After scoring two goals in the third-place match, the French star's goal tally stands at 10. He also has four assists to his name.

On the other hand, Messi has scored eight goals and four assists so far. As a result, if he can score at least two goals in the final, he can surpass Mbappe and move ahead in the race for the Golden Boot. Despite participating in six World Cups, the Argentine captain has not won this award so far.

Messi's performance in the final against his opponent Spain could be important not only as a personal award, but also in Argentina's chances of winning a second consecutive World Cup.

Third Golden Ball in the making

Messi has won the Golden Ball, the World Cup's best player award, twice before. He won the award for the first time in 2014 after leading Argentina to the final and for the second time in 2022 on the way to leading the team to the World Cup.

His goals, assists and leadership have played a major role in Argentina's success in the current tournament. If he wins the Golden Ball this time, he will become the first player in World Cup history to win this award three times.

Although Argentina reached the final in 2014, they could not win the title after losing to Germany. Messi regretted that at the Qatar World Cup after eight years. If he wins the second consecutive title this time, his number of World Cup trophies will be two.

Messi also leads the Ballon d'Or list

The World Cup performance has also put Messi ahead in the list of possible candidates to win the Ballon d'Or. It is being said that his chances have increased in various sports analysis and betting markets.

A player's personal performance, goals and assists, important trophy wins and contributions in big matches are usually considered in determining his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or. Success in competitions like the World Cup can significantly affect this calculation.

Messi first won the Ballon d'Or in 2009. His last Ballon d'Or win in 2023 will take his total number of Ballons d'Or to eight. If he wins the award again this time, it will be his ninth Ballon d'Or.

His long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award five times. Ronaldo's last Ballon d'Or came in 2017.

Messi's performance in the World Cup final against Spain could therefore change the calculation of multiple achievements. A good match could take him closer to winning his first Golden Boot, third Golden Ball, second World Cup and ninth Ballon d'Or.