Spain claimed a clean sweep of the World Cup's major individual honors Sunday after defeating Argentina 1-0 to secure the country's second men's championship at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with midfielder Rodri capturing the tournament's most prestigious individual award over Argentina great Lionel Messi.

Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, while goalkeeper Unai Simon took home the Golden Glove for the top performance between the posts, and 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi was named the tournament's Best Young Player, edging out fellow teenage teammate Lamine Yamal for that honor.

Messi denied a record third Golden Ball

Messi had entered the final hoping to become the first player to win a record-extending third Golden Ball, an award he already holds the record for winning multiple times since it was first introduced in 1978. At 39 years old, Messi had led Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final, a run many observers felt strengthened his case for another individual honor to accompany the team achievement.

Instead, voters awarded the Golden Ball to Rodri for captaining Spain's run to its second World Cup title. Messi finished as runner-up, receiving the tournament's Silver Ball, while France's Kylian Mbappe took home the Bronze Ball.

Rodri reflects on a remarkable........

© International Business Times