Was Rodri really the player of the tournament?

Spain's triumphant march to victory in the 2026 World Cup has everyone buzzing about Rodri's pivotal role as the team's midfield general, drawing comparisons to his standout performance in 2024. Rodri's exceptional control and leadership have sparked debates about whether he deserved more recognition than Lionel Messi for the Golden Ball award. This narrative underscores the importance of midfield play in modern soccer, highlighting Rodri's influence on Spain's success and raising questions about individual accolades in team sports.