Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has described Lionel Messi as the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while expressing gratitude to the Argentine legend for offering him personal support after a difficult night.
The 19-year-old Spain international shared the remarks in separate Facebook posts on Tuesday, praising Messi’s performance and thanking him for checking on his well-being. “No player was better than Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!” Yamal wrote. In another message, he said Messi’s call and encouraging words meant a lot to him, adding that he had great love and respect for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Yamal’s comments came after he finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings at Monday’s ceremony in London, behind winner Harry Kane and runner-up Kylian Mbappe. However, he did not confirm whether the award results were connected to the difficult night or Messi’s call. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, remains one of football’s most decorated players, while Yamal continues to establish himself as a leading talent for Barcelona and Spain.
