Lamine Yamal Calls Lionel Messi the Best Player of 2026 World Cup -...

Match Overview

Argentina strengthened their grip on the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group with a dominant 6-0 victory over Bolivia at the Estadio Monumental. The match was defined by a masterclass from Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick and registered two assists. Following the performance, Spain and Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal praised his former club idol, backing Messi to remain the world’s most decisive player heading into the 2026 World Cup.

Spain also secured crucial points in their UEFA Nations League campaign, defeating Denmark 1-0 and Serbia 3-0. Yamal featured prominently in these fixtures, continuing his rapid rise on the international stage before returning to Barcelona. The 17-year-old’s post-match comments have reignited discussions about Messi’s longevity and projected impact on the upcoming global tournament.

Key Stats & Facts

• Argentina vs. Bolivia Match Statistics:
  • Scoreline: 6-0 (Halftime: 3-0)
  • Possession: Argentina 73% | Bolivia 27%
  • Total Shots (On Target): Argentina 14 (10) | Bolivia 4 (1)
  • Passes Completed: Argentina 724 (91% accuracy) | Bolivia 224 (74% accuracy)
• Lionel Messi’s Individual Metrics:
  • Goals: 3 (Hat-trick completed in the 86th minute)
  • Assists: 2 (Setting up Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez)
  • Chances Created: 4
  • International Goals Tally: 112 goals in 189 appearances for Argentina.
• Lamine Yamal’s Spain Contribution (Nations League):
  • Matches Played: 1 (93 minutes vs. Denmark)
  • Dribbles Completed: 5 of 8 attempted (63% success rate)
  • Duels Won: 8 of 13 ground duels

Player Spotlight & Standings Impact

At 37 years old, Lionel Messi remains the focal point of Argentina’s attack, leading all CONMEBOL qualifiers with six goals in the current cycle. His latest treble drew him level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most international hat-tricks in football history (10). Yamal’s public endorsement underscores Messi’s enduring influence on the next generation of elite talent ahead of the 2026 tournament in North America.

Argentina currently sits comfortably at the top of the South American World Cup Qualifying standings with 22 points from 10 matches, holding a three-point lead over Colombia. Meanwhile, Spain’s recent victories have placed them at the summit of UEFA Nations League Group A4 with 10 points from four matches, officially securing their spot in the quarter-finals.