Singer Monir Khan has said Lionel Messi deserved to be named the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite missing out on the Golden Ball.
Messi produced an impressive campaign for Argentina, scoring eight goals and providing four assists during the tournament.
However, he finished behind France captain Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. Mbappé claimed the award after scoring 10 goals.
In a post on social media, Monir Khan said Messi’s performances at the 2026 World Cup surpassed those of his 2022 campaign.
“Compared with the 2022 World Cup, Messi was even more dangerous and effective in 2026.
Considering his individual performances, goals, assists, chance creation and overall influence on the team, this was the best World Cup of his career,” he wrote.
Monir said he had no regrets over Messi missing the Golden Ball, noting that the Argentine captain had already won the award at the previous two World Cups.
However, he argued that Messi was once again among the strongest contenders for the honour based on his performances.
The singer also responded to critics who have labelled Messi “FIFA’s princess”. He said such claims did not match reality.
“If Messi had really received special treatment from FIFA, he would not have missed out on the Golden Ball this time.
And even if he had won it, he would have deserved it based on his performances on the pitch,” Monir wrote.
Debate over Messi’s performances has continued on social media since the end of the World Cup.
Monir Khan’s remarks have now added another voice to that discussion.
