Sports · From the edition of Jul 18, 2026
✳ Dated MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026 ✳
91%certain · PolymarketWrong ✗resolved on Jul 20, 2026
MESSI TAKES THE GOLDEN BALL
At 39, the Argentine is named the World Cup's finest player, whatever the final score reads
NEW YORK, July 20 — Lionel Messi has been crowned best player of the 2026 World Cup, an outcome traders priced at 91 per cent. The Golden Ball is his, cup or no cup.
The market never blinked. Messi opened the tournament near even money and closed a runaway favorite, leaving Mbappé at two per cent and Yamal barely above him.
This is the last dance, and the wires know it. The trophy for the tournament's finest belongs to a 39-year-old who spent the summer making the case that class outlives youth.
Source: Polymarket · 91% probability — View market ↗