Former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has weighed in on the race for the next Ballon d'Or, suggesting that Lionel Messi is the favorite to secure the prestigious award if Argentina emerges victorious in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19. Messi, who previously led Argentina to glory in the 2022 tournament in Qatar and earned his eighth Ballon d'Or the following year, has been in remarkable form for his nation. During his seven appearances in the current tournament, the 39-year-old Inter Miami star has contributed eight goals and four assists.
While Mendieta acknowledges Messi's potential, he also highlighted Spain's Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal as significant contenders should La Roja triumph. Mendieta noted that the World Cup serves as a decisive factor for the award. Regarding Yamal, the former Spanish international remarked that the 19-year-old had an exceptional season for Barcelona, recording 24 goals and 18 assists across 45 appearances, and remains a vital presence for Spain, despite having tallied one goal and one assist in his seven World Cup matches so far. Mikel Oyarzabal was also highlighted by Mendieta as a standout player discovered during the tournament.
The upcoming final has also drawn predictions from other football figures, including former Chelsea star Craig Burley. Backing Argentina to win 3-2, Burley suggested that the match will be highly competitive, noting that Argentina will likely employ a physical style to challenge the Spanish side. Spain enters the final following a 37-match unbeaten streak, while Argentina secured their place after a 2-1 comeback victory against England in the semi-finals. Throughout the knockout stages, Argentina has relied on resilient performances, including 3-2 wins over Cabo Verde and Egypt, as well as a 3-1 victory against Switzerland. Sometimes he goes over the edge, but he’s a brilliant player. It was way easier than we expected for Spain against France.
For the same reasons Harry Kane might have secured it, Lamine Yamal could still do so.
I think De Paul will play [ahead of Simeone].
