BBC Sport Opens World Cup 2026 Vote After 104 Matches Across 6 Weeks

Q: Reporters crowned Messi best player, but Rodri won the Golden Ball. Who was the real tournament MVP?

Rodri was the official and defensible tournament MVP, while Messi was the standout individual performer many journalists felt was the most inspiring player. The split comes down to what “MVP” means. If it means the best player on the team that won the World Cup, Rodri fits the case strongly. He was the midfield anchor of a Spain side that won the title, controlled games, and conceded only one goal in eight matches. In the final, Spain dominated Argentina for long stretches, and Rodri’s passing, positioning and tempo-setting were central to that control. FIFA’s Golden Ball reflected that broader influence on the tournament’s best team. If it means the player who most carried his side and produced the most decisive individual moments, Messi has the strongest argument. At 39, he delivered eight goals and four assists, led Argentina to the final, and was widely described by BBC and other reporters as the player of the tournament. Much of that view rested on his leadership, creativity and repeated ability to decide matches almost single-handedly. What weakened Messi’s case for the official award was the final itself. Spain largely neutralized him, Argentina barely created chances, and Rodri’s team finished the job by winning the tournament. So the fairest answer is this: Rodri was the rightful official MVP because he was indispensable to the champions, but Messi was the tournament’s most compelling and influential individual force over the full six weeks.

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 20

BBC Sport launched reader voting on the best goal, save, player, breakout star, memorable moment, disappointment and supporters after World Cup 2026 ended.
Six shortlisted goals include Lionel Messi's finish against Cape Verde, Julian Alvarez's extra-time strike against Switzerland and Erling Haaland's last-16 winner against Brazil.
Official FIFA awards frame the debate: Spain captain Rodri won the Golden Ball, Messi took the Silver Ball and 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi was named best young player.
BBC writers and reporters largely backed Messi after his eight goals and four assists in eight games, while also highlighting moments from Cape Verde's run to Mexico's Azteca atmosphere.
The feature serves as a post-tournament wrap-up after 104 matches in the US, Canada and Mexico produced record-breaking performances, shocks and standout fan scenes.