Argentina’s media has criticized FIFA over its decision to award Spain midfielder Rodri the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as an “insult” to Lionel Messi.
The controversy follows Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, where Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal to hand La Roja their second World Cup title.
Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to make an impact in the final, failing to register a shot on target during regulation time before being reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in the match.
Despite Argentina’s defeat, Messi enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. The 39-year-old was named the tournament’s second-best player, while Rodri received the Golden Ball award after helping Spain lift the trophy.
Reacting to FIFA’s decision, TyC Sports journalist Antonio Serpa accused the world football governing body of overlooking Messi’s influence on the tournament.
“Giving the award to Rodri is almost an insult. It shows a complete lack of sensitivity,” Serpa told TyC Sports.
“Not because Rodri is a bad player, but because Lionel Messi was the heart and soul of Argentina and this World Cup. At 39, he lit up the tournament with his brilliance, his goals and his passion, drawing fans from every nation to watch him play.
“If the criteria is simply to reward players from the winning team, then FIFA needs to remember that football is won with goals, not passes. Rodri didn’t score a goal at this World Cup, and despite completing countless passes, he didn’t register a single assist.”
FIFA has not responded to the criticism, maintaining Rodri as the official recipient of the tournament’s Golden Ball award.
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