Argentines blast FIFA: "Giving Rodri the Ballon d'Or is almost an insult"

The award, called the Ballon d'Or, is not the same trophy awarded annually by “France Football” magazine. Still, the choice provoked criticism in the Argentine press, which considers Lionel Messi to be more decisive throughout the tournament.

Broadcaster TyC Sports recognized that Spain were superior in the final played at the MetLife Stadium, but strongly contested the award given to the Spanish midfielder.

In a chronicle entitled “The end of miracles”, the publication stated that keeping the silver medal around the neck also represents a way of valuing the Argentine campaign, despite the defeat in the decision.

According to the text, Argentina lost because Spain was better, but the campaign left remarkable moments and reinforced the team's image as one of the great forces in world football.

Subsequently, TyC Sports directed criticism at FIFA and classified Rodri's choice as an insensitive decision.

The broadcaster argued that the Spaniard is not a bad player, but highlighted that Messi was Argentina's main reference and one of the central figures of the World Cup.

At 39 years old, the number 10 was praised for his influence on the field, for the goals he scored and for his ability to attract fans of different nationalities to the stadiums.

The publication also questioned Rodri's participation in Spain's offensive production during the tournament.

According to the analysis, the midfielder did not score goals or provide assists in the competition, despite the high number of passes made.

TyC Sports also mocked the criteria adopted by FIFA, stating that, if the intention was to reward a player from the champion team, it would be necessary to consider that matches are decided by goals, and not just by the exchange of passes.

For the Argentine broadcaster, the discussion about choosing the best player at the World Cup should continue for some time.

Award winners at #FIFAWorldCup 2026

Messi won the Silver Ball

After the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup final, FIFA announced Rodri as the best player in the competition. Lionel Messi came second in the voting and received the Silver Ball.

At 39 years old, the Argentine star once again stood out in the tournament. After winning the Ballon d'Or in the 2018 and 2022 editions, Messi ended the 2026 campaign with eight goals and four assists.

Mbappé, Simón and Cubarsí were also awarded

Kylian Mbappé, winner of the Golden Shoe after scoring 10 goals, two more than Messi, received the Bronze Ball as the third best player in the World Cup.

Spain also won two other individual awards. Unai Simón was voted the best goalkeeper in the competition and won the Golden Glove. Throughout the tournament, he conceded just one goal, scored by Belgian Charles De Ketelaere in the quarter-finals.

In the revelation category, Pau Cubarsí, just 19 years old, was chosen as the best young player at the 2026 World Cup. The defender surpassed his compatriot Lamine Yamal, who was unable to present his best football after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the final stretch of the season for Barcelona.

Argentina turns its back on Spain during the cup presentation

Argentine players left the stage as Rodri received the 2026 World Cup trophy and went towards the fans. The gesture provoked criticism in Spain and increased the controversy after the final marked by confusion and aggression