2022 FIFA World Cup-winning superstar Lionel Messi could reportedly become only the second recipient of the Super Ballon d'Or award, an accolade considered to be the second most prestigious prize behind the Argentine's latest title.
Having now won every available trophy in his career, Messi is considered by many to have completed the sport and etched his name in history as one of the greatest ever to have played it.
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The 35-year-old's triumph in Qatar saw him not only smash several records, but he also grabbed the Golden Ball award for the best player at the tournament, having registered 10 goal contributions in seven games on Argentina's road to glory.
Having replicated Albiceleste legend Diego Maradona's heroics in 1986, Messi could now join Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano as only the second footballer ever to win the esteemed Super Ballon d'Or, according to the Daily Express.
France Football, the organisers of the award which honours the best player of the previous 30 years, last handed out the individual trophy in 1989, with Spanish-Argentine icon Di Stefano beating the likes of Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini to the rare prize.
After racking up more than 30 club and national team titles in over 1 000 career matches, it is believed the French publication could decide to herald Messi with the accolade.
The former FC Barcelona marksman already boasts seven "normal" Ballon d'Or awards, the most by any player, although France Football revealed in 2015 that Brazil legend Pele would also have won seven Golden Balls if he was eligible for the award during his playing career – the accolade was exclusive to European players from its inception in 1956 up until 1995.
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According to Argentina great Jorge Valdano, Messi could even make a record sixth appearance at a World Cup in 2026 in North America, where a win would put him alongside a Brazilian-dominated list of stars who have won the competition twice, including Ronaldo Nazario, Cafu, and Garrincha.
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