Colombian legend Valderrama praised the Argentine star Lionel Messi and what he is presenting in the 2026 World Cup, as he believes that he deserves to win the Golden Ball.
Valderrama said in statements reported by the international "Tribuna" network: "People thought that Messi was coming on a picnic and that he would pass by casually in his sixth participation in the World Cup".
He added: "He came to the American league and was smarter than everyone".
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He continued: "He said, I will prepare well because I want to play my last World Cup in a distinguished style, give him the Golden Ball".
He added: "There was a list of candidates for the award in which Messi's name did not appear, but now they must give it to him. For football fans who saw him play now at the age of thirty-nine and saw what he presented, they are demanding that he be given the Golden Ball immediately".
Lionel Messi will play the World Cup final with his country's Argentina national team against Spain this evening, Sunday, July 19.
