Lamine Yamal declares Lionel Messi as the best of the World Cup

The goal that sealed Spain's 1‑0 win over Argentina defined the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. On July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Lamine Yamal #19 received congratulations from Lionel Messi #10 after the victory. | FIFA via Getty Images

Yamal's Praise for Messi

Lamine Yamal has praised Lionel Messi as the best player of the past FIFA World Cup, recalling that he met him when he was very young. In an interview with Movistar, Yamal said: “Lionel Messi was the best player of the World Cup for everything he represents and everything he did.” The young Spanish player emphasized the Argentine's influence on his career.

Statistics and Recognition of Messi

Messi finished the tournament as the second top scorer, surpassed only by Kylian Mbappé in the third‑place match. He also ranked second in assists, behind Michael Olise. He led several metrics: he completed the highest number of dribbles, one more than Yamal, and topped key passes and big chances created. Rating apps and analysts consistently rated him as the best of the World Cup.

Despite his statistical dominance, the official award for the tournament's best player did not go to Messi. It was won by Rodri, a Spanish midfielder who now also plays for Barcelona, which surprised many fans.

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Yamal's words are unique because they favor a player who has never been a teammate over a current compatriot. The connection between them dates back to a charity session in which the Argentine captain bathed the young Yamal when he was a baby.

At 39, Messi was considered by many to be past his prime, but he managed to maintain a level comparable to the 2022 World Cup, when he won the tournament's Ballon d'Or. His performance in 2026 surprised critics and fans.

By winning the tournament, Yamal lifted the trophy with Spain, defeating Argentina in the Final. His praise for Messi adds an emotional layer to the victory and reinforces the admiration the young forward feels for the Argentine star.