Rodri wins World Cup Golden Ball as Messi misses out

NEW YORK: The Golden Ball award, which many fans expected Lionel Messi to win, went instead to Spain captain Rodri after he led his team to their first FIFA World Cup title in 16 years.

Rodri, whose full name is Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, played in all eight matches of Spain's World Cup campaign and helped his side win seven of them. The only match Spain failed to win was a goalless draw against Cape Verde.

In the World Cup final, the Spanish midfielder played the full 90 minutes and also featured for the first nine minutes of extra time. His consistent performances throughout the tournament played a key role in Spain's title-winning campaign.

Messi, who scored eight goals and inspired Argentina to the final, received the Silver Ball award. France star Kylian Mbappe won the Bronze Ball.

Messi had previously won the Golden Ball at the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Rodri, who bagged the 2024 Ballon d'Or, became the first Spanish player to receive the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award. He currently plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League.