Golden Ball

At long last, Lionel Messi secured his legacy by leading Argentina to its first World Cup trophy in 36 years on Sunday, and the newly crowned world champion ...

I know he missed the big chance early against Netherlands, but this kid has been under the spotlight almost from the moment he showed up but many others didn’t in Couva back in 2017. His influence on the entire defensive unit was immense and the USA made the knockout rounds because they were so solid in the group stage. Nick Mendola: It’s Lionel Messi sneaking a kiss on his long-sought World Cup Trophy while walking past after collecting his Golden Ball… Sure, Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic were very good and led the midfield and attack respectively, but without Ream the USMNT would not have made the last 16. right up until the very end end of the final. No one came up bigger, and more often.