Lionel Messi's bid for a second FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak as Spain defeated Argentina in the final. Despite Messi's brilliant tournament, Spain captain Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball after leading La Roja to the title with dominant midfield performances

Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi


Spain enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on a remarkable 37-match unbeaten run, boasting the tournament's best defensive record. But standing in their way is Lionel Messi, who hopes to end his international career with another World Cup title. Can Spain's disciplined defense and captain Rodri stop the Argentine legend in football's biggest match?

Spain vs Argentina: Can Rodri Stop Lionel Messi in the Final? | Wion News 

Guardiola also spoke about goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was booked for a fourth time in his short City career in the last-gasp 3-2 win over Leeds on Saturday.

Premier League: Man City boss Pep Guardiola admits uncertainty over Rodri’s comeback

Rodri fought his way back to fitness but suffered a groin injury in City's defeat to Saudi club Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup in the United States last month.

Manchester City star Rodri suffers setback in recovery; out till September

Manchester City midfielder Rodri emerged as the 2024 Ballon d'Or award winner, with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr remaining second. Ronaldo disagreed with this decision. 

‘It was unfair,’ Ronaldo on Vinicius Jr not winning 2024 Ballon d’Or

Spanish media said Tuesday (Oct 29) that Real Madrid had cheapened themselves by boycotting the Ballon d'Or ceremony, with even the normally loyal Marca weighing in while Spain's national coach admitted it was "not good for football".

'Masquerade is unworthy,' Spanish media slams Real Madrid for boycotting Ballon d'Or

Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was left red-faced as a second-half strike by midfielder Martin Zubimendi gave an injury-hit Spain a hard-fought and deserved 1-0 win in Nations League Group A4 on Saturday.

Rodri replacement Zubimendi guides injury-hit Spain home over Denmark in Nations League tie

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente backed midfielder Martin Zubimendi on Friday to deputise for injured star Rodri Hernandez in the months ahead. Manchester City's Rodri, a key player for his country, suffered a severe knee injury in September and will be out for the rest of the season.

Nations League: Spain coach De la Fuente handpicks Rodri’s replacement, says ‘nobody is irreplaceable’

Manchester City failed to shrug off the absence of Rodri in a 1-1 draw at Newcastle as they dropped Premier League points for the second consecutive game on Saturday.

Premier League: Man City feel Rodri absence as Newcastle hold champions for a draw

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri could miss the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, according to reports in Spain on Monday.

Blow to Manchester City as Rodri ruled out for rest of the season with ACL tear

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany and his Bayer Leverkusen counterpart Xabi Alonso on Friday joined the growing chorus calling for action on player workload, amid talks of strikes.

Bayern’s Kompany and Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso call for action on players’ workload amid strike talks

Manchester City will kick off their quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title on Sunday without Oscar Bobb, who could miss up to four months after breaking his leg in training, and Rodri, who is recovering from an injury sustained at Euro 2024.

Premier League: Blow to Manchester City as Oscar Bob out for four months, Rodri ‘not ready’ for opener

Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo all scored as Spain came from behind to beat surprise packages Georgia 4-1 at Euro 2024 on Sunday and set up a blockbuster quarter-final against hosts Germany.

Euro 2024: Spain thrash Georgia in R16 to set up blockbuster quarterfinal clash with Germany

Manchester City midfielder has taken a dig at Arsenal's 'mentality' after the Gunners lost the Premier League (PL) title by two points on Sunday (May 19). City won their fourth consecutive PL trophy with a 3-1 win over West Ham United while Arsenal had to contend with a second-place finish after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

‘They don’t want to beat us’: Rodri takes dig at Arsenal for conceding Premier League title

Manchester City moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League despite having Rodri sent-off in a fiery 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Phil Foden and Erling Haaland struck inside the first 15 minutes as City extended their perfect start in the Premier League to six games.

Ten-man Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 to stay on top of Premier League

Manchester City extended their perfect start to the Premier League season as Rodri sealed a dramatic 2-1 win against Sheffield United after Erling Haaland scored once and missed a penalty for the champions on Sunday.

PL: Manchester City continue dream run this season with close 2-1 win over Sheffield United

Spain midfielder Rodri is going through the best period of his career as he prepares for a second final in the space of a week, looking to add national team success to taking the treble with Manchester City.

Nations League Final: Spain's Rodri aims to pocket another elite title after Champions League win last week

Spanish defender Rodri is bitter after his team's exit from the World Cup. The Manchester City player in a post-match interview said Morocco did nothing throughout the match.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Spanish defender bitter after Morocco win on penalties

In pics - Manchester City celebrate in style after winning sixth Premier League title

A stoppage-time goal from midfielder Rodri gave Premier League leaders Manchester City a 2-1 win at Arsenal on New Year's Day as the home side finished a thrilling encounter with 10 men following the sending-off of defender Gabriel.

Late Rodri goal gives Manchester City 2-1 win over 10-man Arsenal

Premier League champions Manchester City smashed their transfer record on Thursday with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City sign Spanish midfielder Rodri in club record deal

rodri

Rodri, News on Rodri, stories on Rodri, articles on Rodri, Rodri stories at Wion, Rodri news, Rodri latest news