'Another World Cup Over Another Ballon d'Or!' Lionel Messi Opts For National Glory Over Individual Accolades

Last Updated:November 13, 2025, 12:59 IST

Messi, the 8-time Ballon d'Or winner, claimed the biggest prize in international football in Qatar 2022 and revealed that doubling down on the tally remains his biggest motivator.

Lionel Messi, 2022 World Cup winner. (X)

Argentine World Cup-winner Lionel Messi revealed that he’d prefer to win another FIFA WC title over adding another to his Ballon d’Or achievement in a heartbeat.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, claimed the biggest prize in international football in Qatar 2022 and revealed that doubling down on the tally remains his biggest motivator.

When quizzed if he’d rather win the quadrennial showpiece again or get his hands on a ninth Ballon d’Or, the Argentine magician opted for the FIFA World Cup title over individual accolades.

“Another World Cup," the 38-year-old said without flinching in a testament to his love and passion for Argentina.

“I’m excited for the World Cup. But I don’t want to be a burden, I want to feel good physically, be sure that I can help and contribute things to the group," the former Barcelona supestar said.

“I will see day to day if I really feel good physically to be like I would like to be able to participate," the Inter Miami icon added.

Messi also said that he’d prefer to “Score the winning goal" rather than net a hattrick and watch it go in vain as his team suffered in yet another nod to the man’s teamspirit.

Messi celebrated his crowning moment at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with a decisive victory over France, leading Argentina to their third title. The thrilling match between Argentina and France ended 3-3 after extra time, necessitating a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner.

Messi scored twice for Argentina, with Angel Di Maria adding another goal. Kylian Mbappe responded with three goals, making it an electrifying game.

Argentina started their World Cup campaign with a surprising 1-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia but turned their fortunes around with a 2-0 win over Mexico. They secured their spot in the knockout stages with another 2-0 win over Poland.

In the Round of 16, Argentina outperformed Australia with a 2-1 win, followed by a thrilling quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands, ending 4-3 in favour of Albiceleste. Messi and his team then dominated Croatia 3-0 in the semifinal before clinching the prestigious trophy after the exhilarating final.

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