‘Messi Was the Best’: Lamine Yamal Reflects on Argentina Legend’s World Cup

Even after lifting the World Cup with Spain, Lamine Yamal had no hesitation when asked about the player who impressed him most during the tournament. The Barcelona winger singled out Lionel Messi, describing the Argentine legend as the best player at the 2026 World Cup.

Yamal made the comments during an interview with Jorge Valdano on Universo Valdano, reflecting on a tournament that ended with Spain defeating Argentina in the final. Despite being on the opposite side, Yamal said Messi’s performances stood out to him throughout the competition.

Yamal: Messi Was the Best at the World Cup

For Yamal, Messi’s performance was remarkable not simply because of his numbers, but because of what the 39-year-old continued to produce at an age when expectations were naturally lower.

Yamal said that while everyone knows Messi’s status in football, few expected him to perform at such a high level during the 2026 World Cup. He also highlighted Messi’s influence in important moments and the way he helped Argentina reach the final.

The praise is particularly striking because Yamal’s Spain ultimately defeated Messi and Argentina in the final. His comments were therefore focused on Messi’s individual tournament performance rather than the final result.

Messi Delivered Another Remarkable World Cup

Messi finished the tournament with eight goals, matching Kylian Mbappé's tournament tally, while also contributing assists during Argentina’s run to the final. His two assists in the semifinal against England were particularly influential as Argentina came from behind to win 2-1.

The veteran forward also remained among the tournament leaders for several key attacking statistics. The Barca Blaugranes report noted that Messi ranked highly for goals, assists, completed dribbles, key passes and big chances created.

That combination of production and influence is what made Messi’s campaign stand out to Yamal, who has grown up watching the Argentine's career from close quarters.

From Messi’s Generation to Yamal’s

There is an intriguing connection between the two Barcelona stars. Yamal has repeatedly spoken about his admiration for Messi, while their paths crossed long before the teenager became one of football’s biggest names.

A famous photograph from 2007 shows a young Messi holding and bathing baby Yamal during a Barcelona charity photoshoot. Almost two decades later, the two met again on football’s biggest stage, this time as opponents in a World Cup final.

The image of Yamal embracing Messi after Spain’s victory became one of the memorable moments of the 2026 tournament. It also added another chapter to a remarkable connection between Barcelona’s legendary No. 10 and the player who now wears the same shirt for the Catalan club.

Messi Missed Out on the Official Golden Ball

Yamal’s assessment differs from the tournament’s official individual award. Spain midfielder Rodri received the World Cup Golden Ball as the competition’s best player, despite Messi receiving strong recognition for his performances.

Yamal did not directly criticise Rodri or the award decision. Instead, he offered his personal view based on what he saw from Messi throughout the tournament.

That distinction is important. The official award and Yamal’s opinion are separate, but his comments underline just how much impact Messi continued to have on the biggest international stage.

A New Generation Still Looks Up to Messi

Yamal is increasingly regarded as one of the leading players of his generation, but his admiration for Messi remains clear. The Spanish youngster has previously spoken about the Argentine as a major influence, while Messi himself has praised Yamal’s development.

Their careers are now moving in opposite directions: Messi is approaching the final chapter of his international career, while Yamal has only just begun his journey at the highest level.

Yet the connection between them remains unmistakable. For Yamal, the Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 performance was another reminder of why the Argentine has remained such an influential figure in modern football. At 39, Messi may have fallen short of another World Cup title, but his performances left a lasting impression even on the player who stood on the winning side.