Argentine media back Messi for Ballon d'Or despite World Cup final defeat

Following Argentina's 0-1 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Argentine media praised Lionel Messi's overall tournament performance and backed him as the favourite for the Ballon d'Or. Journalists simultaneously challenged the candidacy of Spain's Rodri for the award. Argentine outlets described certain FIFA decisions regarding individual awards as "almost an insult."