Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has publicly declared Lionel Messi the finest player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, asserting that the 39-year-old Argentina captain remained the standout performer during every critical match. Speaking to Movistar, Yamal praised the veteran icon as the greatest player of all time, emphasizing that Messi continued to perform at an elite level despite his age. Yamal, who managed a single goal during the tournament, acknowledged Messi’s enduring quality even as his own career is just beginning.
Throughout the competition, the Argentine forward displayed remarkable form, netting six goals during the group stage alone. By the end of his campaign, he had accumulated eight goals and four assists, securing the runner-up position in both the Golden Boot and Playmaker Award standings. Despite these individual heroics, Messi missed out on the FIFA Golden Ball, which was awarded to Rodri after Spain’s victory over Argentina in the tournament final.
Following the conclusion of the World Cup, Messi confirmed his retirement from international football, a decision solidified by both the final defeat and the passing of his father. The 2022 World Cup winner explained that while he reached his resolution immediately after the 2026 final, he required a period of personal mourning before making the announcement public. He recently addressed the disappointment of the final loss on social media, expressing his gratitude to the fans for their steadfast support.
The legendary captain is scheduled to make his final appearance for the national team on October 6. The farewell match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where Argentina will face Benin, marking the end of a historic international career for the Argentine icon. The report also notes that he believes that the 39-year-old stood out in all the important matches.
