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The World Cup is finally here. A few months later than usual but here nonetheless. And the team at RotoBaller has you covered for all your World Cup needs. We'll be bringing you DFS articles, game previews, and betting picks throughout the competition.
The Golden Ball is an award given to the best individual player at the World Cup. The award was first awarded in the 1982 World Cup to Italy's Paolo Rossi. Luka Modric won the Golden Ball while leading underdog Croatia to a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup.
The 2014 Golden Ball winner, Lionel Messi, is the favorite to win this tournament's Golden Ball. This will be Messi's fifth World Cup representing Argentina. Will Lionel Messi and Argentina make a deep run? Should I pick Lionel Messi to win the Golden Ball?
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Will Lionel Messi and Argentina Make a Deep Run?
Argentina is ranked third in the world, according to FIFA's men's rankings. The Argentines broke their 26-year international title drought last summer when they won the 2021 Copa America.
Argentina lost to the eventual champions, France, in the Round of 16 in the 2018 World Cup. They finished as runner-ups in 2014. Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martìnez, and Àngel Di Marìa surround Lionel Messi to make an elite attack that few defenses can stay in front of.
This Argentina squad is one of their most complete in a while and expect to win their group consisting of Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. Lionel Messi and the Argentines carry plenty of momentum into this tournament and are legitimate contenders.
Should I Pick Lionel Messi to Win the Golden Ball?
2014's Golden Ball winner is rightfully the frontrunner to win the award in this year's World Cup. Messi is averaging a goal contribution once every 69 minutes of play this year. Argentina, even without longtime greats Gonzalo Higuaìn or Sergio Agüero, is luxurious in scoring options to pad Messi's tournament totals.
The Argentines have a strong chance of making a deep run once again. Messi is a near-lock for four games in this year's tournament and has a strong chance of maxing out at seven matches. No player has ever won multiple Golden Balls, but Lionel Messi is an anomaly.
The seven-time Ballon D'or winner remains at his peak, even at 35-years-old. The all-time great is arguably the best playmaker, in the best attack, in this World Cup. Lionel Messi is the most logical pick to win this World Cup's Golden Ball.
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