Barcelona talisman Lamine Yamal has stated 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 statement 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 statement, 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 remarks followed his third-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, placing him behind winner Harry Kane and runner-up Kylian Mbappe at Monday’s ceremony in London.
The Barcelona teenager mentioned a “difficult night” during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, though he never directly said that the award outcome was what led to Messi’s call.
Our correspondent, observing on Tuesday evening, reports that Yamal has published several posts praising Messi since Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Barcelona forward also praised the Argentine, who retired from international football not long ago, after Argentina finished as runners-up to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a further post, Yamal commended Messi after the latter placed fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, an award won by Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
