World Cup 2022 tips: Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior and Phil Foden in Golden Ball running

Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior and Phil Foden are in the running to win the Golden Ball award at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. FIFA's technical committee compiles a shortlist and the media votes on it. The award was introduced in 1982. Only once in 10 years has it been won by a non-attacking player. Paolo Rossi, Diego Maradona, Romario, Brazil's Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane have won the award. In four of the last six World Cups the winner was a losing finalist. Ronaldo is 37 and is past his best.

Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior and Phil Foden are in the running for the Golden Ball at the World Cup 2022.