Messi eyes 1st Golden Boot, second WC, 3rd Golden Ball

Lionel Messi's sensational FIFA World Cup campaign has reached another remarkable milestone after guiding Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final. At 39, the Argentine captain is not only the leading contender to win his first-ever Golden Boot but has also emerged as the overwhelming favorite for a record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or, according to sports analysts and global betting markets.

Every time Messi steps onto the pitch in Argentina's colors, history seems to follow. Breaking records has become almost routine for the legendary forward, but Sunday's World Cup final presents an opportunity unlike any other-one that could further cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers the sport has ever seen.

Golden Boot Race Intensifies

Prediction markets and major sportsbooks now place Messi among the favorites to finish as the tournament's top scorer. According to U.S.-based prediction platform Kalshi, Messi currently has a 59 percent chance of winning the Golden Boot.

However, the race remains highly competitive. Until Saturday, Messi led the standings with eight goals and four assists. France captain Kylian Mbappé overtook him after scoring twice in the third-place playoff, taking his tally to 10 goals and four assists.

Messi now needs two goals in the final against Spain to surpass Mbappé and claim the first Golden Boot of his illustrious career. Any goal from the Argentine captain would not only strengthen his individual bid but also move Argentina closer to defending their world title.

Despite appearing in six World Cups, Messi has never won the tournament's Golden Boot-one of the few major individual honors still missing from his extraordinary collection.

World Cup Reshapes the Ballon d'Or Race

Messi's outstanding World Cup performances have also transformed the Ballon d'Or conversation.

Betting odds for football's most prestigious individual award are largely influenced by recent performances, trophies and overall statistics. Following Argentina's run to another World Cup final, bookmakers have significantly improved Messi's chances of lifting the Ballon d'Or once again.

A Historic Third Golden Ball Within Reach

Messi has already won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice, having been named the tournament's best player in 2014 and 2022.

In 2014, he inspired Argentina to the final but fell short of winning the title. Eight years later in Qatar, he led his country to World Cup glory while once again claiming the Golden Ball.

Now, he stands on the verge of making history. No player has ever won the World Cup Golden Ball three times, and Messi is just one match away from achieving another unprecedented milestone.

Another World Cup Could End the GOAT Debate

Messi finally fulfilled his lifelong dream by lifting the World Cup trophy at Lusail Stadium in Qatar in 2022. Four years later, he finds himself on the brink of repeating that achievement.

If Argentina secures a second consecutive World Cup title, it would add yet another defining chapter to Messi's unparalleled career and could further strengthen his claim as football's greatest player of all time.

A Record Ninth Ballon d'Or Beckons

Messi first won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, with his most recent triumph coming in 2023.

Victory this year would see him claim an unprecedented ninth Ballon d'Or, extending his lead over long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times. Ronaldo last lifted the trophy in 2017, while neither he nor Portugal enjoyed the World Cup campaign many had anticipated.

With another World Cup final ahead, Messi once again stands on the verge of rewriting football history. A memorable performance against Spain could bring him closer to an extraordinary quartet of achievements: his first Golden Boot, second consecutive World Cup title, third Golden Ball, and a record ninth Ballon d'Or.