No player better than Messi at 2026 World Cup — Yamal

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has declared that no player performed better than Lionel Messi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while thanking the Argentine legend for calling and offering him support after a “difficult night”.

Yamal made the remarks in separate Facebook posts on Tuesday, expressing admiration for Messi’s World Cup performance and appreciation for his personal support.

“No player was better than Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!” the Spain international wrote.

In another post, Yamal thanked the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for checking on him and offering words of encouragement.

“A big thank you to Leo Messi. Goat!

“Thank you for calling me, checking on me, and giving me your support. Your words meant a lot to me, especially after a difficult night.

“I truly appreciate it, Leo. Much love and respect!,” he wrote.

Yamal’s comments came after he finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind winner Harry Kane and runner-up Kylian Mbappe at Monday’s ceremony in London.

The Barcelona teenager’s reference to a “difficult night” came amid the Ballon d’Or ceremony, although he did not explicitly state that the award result prompted Messi’s call.

Our correspondent who observed on Tuesday evening reports that Yamal has made several posts praising Messi since Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The Barcelona forward also hailed the Argentine, who recently retired from international football, after Argentina finished runners-up to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In another post, Yamal praised Messi after he finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane winning the award.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.