New Delhi, July 20 -- Lionel Messi missed out on the Golden Ball award after the Argentine captain put on a pathetic show in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Spain on Monday in New Jersey. Instead the Golden Ball went to Spain midfielder Rodri. Messi also missed the Golden Boot, which went to France's Kylian Mbappe for the second consecutive time.

The Golden Ball is given to the tournament's Best Player, selected by a jury of journalists and experts. Messi was hoping to win a record-extending third Golden Ball, adding to his 2014 and 2022 honors. He's already the only player to win the award multiple times since it was first given in 1978.

However, the Golden Ball went to Rodri, who led Spain to their second World Cup title ...