Sports

World Cup alters Ballon d’Or landscape ahead of Yamal’s career-defining clash against childhood idol

July 17, 2026

Source: Yahoo Sports · Read on source site

class="wp-block-paragraph">The finish line is finally in sight, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup still has plenty of stories left to tell.

class="wp-block-paragraph">From emotional farewells to generational rivalries, the stakes could hardly be higher.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Read on as we explore the narratives set to define the closing chapter of this summer’s tournament.

End of an era

class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the longest-serving managers in the history of men’s international football is ready to close one of the most incredible chapters the game has ever seen.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Saturday’s third-place play-off tie between France and England will mark the end of Didier Deschamps’ tenure as Les Bleus manager, with Zinedine Zidane reportedly waiting to take over the reins.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Deschamps replaced Laurent Blanc at the helm 14 years ago after a three-year stint at Marseille, and little did anyone know he would create a golden age for French football.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Being blessed with one of the most talented generations in football history has made Deschamps’ task less daunting, but it takes nothing away from his ability to manage egos, maintain consistency and deliver on the biggest stages.

class="wp-block-paragraph">While Spain brought France’s quest for a third successive World Cup final appearance to an end, the 57-year-old will walk away from the dugout as the most decorated coach in Les Bleus’ history.

class="wp-block-paragraph">It wasn’t the best way to mark a record-breaking 26th World Cup game in charge, yet Deschamps remains one of just three men to win the most coveted international prize as a player and a coach.

class="wp-block-paragraph">A potential bronze medal in North America would only offer a fitting farewell, even if Deschamps’ legacy no longer depends on adding another medal to his collection. He’ll bow out as a winner.

From inspiration to rivalry

class="wp-block-paragraph">Sunday’s final carries an irresistible subplot, with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal going head-to-head in a mouth-watering clash between Barcelona’s past and future.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Eighteen years after the Argentine superstar bathed baby Yamal for a charitable photoshoot, the battle between the two left-footed magicians could decide the course of football history.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Messi ascended football’s throne of immortals in Qatar four years ago, conquering his final peak in the autumn of his career, yet back-to-back World Cup triumphs would likely settle the ‘Goat’ debate once and for all.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Yamal, on the other hand, is still at the beginning of his journey. Despite turning 19 on Monday, the Blaugrana winger already has a European Championship title under his belt.

class="wp-block-paragraph">However, after emerging as arguably the most influential figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, he has had a rough tournament this summer, though he’ll have a chance to showcase his generational talent in the ultimate game.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Parallels between Messi and Yamal have followed the latter since the first time he graced the Camp Nou pitch, and destiny has now brought the two together in a historic showdown at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Yamal addressed the press in the build-up to the game.

class="wp-block-paragraph">While flattered by the Messi comparison, he insisted he “doesn’t want to be Messi,” adding that La Pulga “knows that I don’t want to be him.” Instead, he “wants to follow his own path,” and what better way to do so than by defeating his childhood idol?

class="wp-block-paragraph">Will the master teach the student another valuable lesson, or will football witness the beginning of a new dynasty? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Messi back in Ballon d’Or conversation

class="wp-block-paragraph">According to The Athletic, Argentina’s remarkable run in North America has re-established Messi as a genuine Ballon d’Or contender, which would be a precedent given that he’s plying his trade in the Major League Soccer.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Legendary Johan Cruyff was the last player to win the Ballon d’Or while playing outside Europe’s top-five leagues, achieving that feat in 1971 during his trophy-laden stint at Ajax.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Messi wasn’t even part of the conversation before the World Cup, but his outstanding form throughout the tournament has seemingly transformed the Ballon d’Or picture, shifting the balance in his favour.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane had been the leading favourites to claim the award before their national teams faltered in the semi-finals, with Yamal reportedly lagging narrowly behind.

class="wp-block-paragraph">However, after helping Spain reach the final, the Barcelona starlet significantly bolstered his chances, and the same applies to Messi, who’s now vying for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or.

class="wp-block-paragraph">With eight goals and four assists, La Pulga is also the frontrunner in the Golden Boot race, whereas Yamal has just one goal to his name despite La Furia Roja’s flawless tournament.

class="wp-block-paragraph">It still feels almost unreal, but when it comes to Messi, the impossible has become probable.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite Messi’s rise, Kane and Mbappe remain firmly in the Ballon d’Or race, and their battle for individual glory could add an intriguing subplot to a match neither side truly wanted to play.

class="wp-block-paragraph">England’s captain has been nothing short of phenomenal this year, and this is probably his best chance of receiving the individual recognition his career deserves.

class="wp-block-paragraph">After failing to score in the last two games, the 32-year-old will be heavily motivated to return to the scoresheet and help his country secure a podium finish.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Likewise, Mbappe, who delivered a near-anonymous performance against Spain, will be keen to bounce back and find another goal that could see him pip Messi to the Golden Boot.