2026 World Cup: Dembélé Hails Messi As Greatest Ever, Yamal Pays Tribute

French forward Ousmane Dembélé has described Lionel Messi as the best player he has ever seen, while Lamine Yamal has once again shown his admiration for the Argentine icon ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to Marca on Friday, Dembélé praised Messi’s ability to remain one of football’s most decisive figures despite approaching the twilight of his career.

“Lionel Messi is the best player I’ve ever seen,” Dembélé said. “He’s 38 but he’s still fantastic and dangerous. His quality never gets old,” he said.

The Paris Saint-Germain winger, who shared dressing rooms with Messi at both FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, warned rivals not to write off the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“We have to be all very careful. Leo can still win the World Cup,” he added.

Naija News recalls that Messi famously captained Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and continues to play a central role for the country and his club, Inter Miami.

Meanwhile, Barcelona teenager Yamal has sparked discussion on social media after posting a photograph on Instagram showing two shirts side by side. One appeared to be Messi’s Argentina No. 10 jersey, while the other looked to be Yamal’s Spain No. 19 shirt.

The image quickly attracted attention as the 18-year-old prepares for the 2026 World Cup and continues to draw comparisons with the Argentine great.

Despite the constant comparison, Yamal has repeatedly stressed that he wants to carve out his own legacy rather than emulate Messi’s career.

“For me, Messi is the greatest football player in history,” he said. “He is a legend and I do not find myself worthy of being compared to him. I do not want to be Messi and he knows it. I want to follow my own path.”