Just over a week after the 2026 World Cup final, the repercussions of Lionel Messi's performance continue to come in from various figures in football. This time it was Gerard Piqué who showered praise on his former Barcelona teammate, highlighting the level he showed with the Argentine National Team throughout the tournament, despite not being able to win the championship.
The former Spanish defender, world champion in South Africa 2010, referred to the Argentine captain during an event of the Kings League and valued the journey of the Albiceleste up to the final against Spain. "To lose a final is something very tough, a world final... I think he showed once again that he is the best player in history with this World Cup," he stated in remarks to ESPN.
Piqué also highlighted Messi's influence on the team led by Lionel Scaloni and considered that the result of the final does not overshadow his performance. "He scored many goals and led his National Team to a new final. At the end of the day, he couldn't win it, but I'm sure he will be very proud of everything he achieved," he maintained.
At 39 years old, Messi played in his sixth World Cup and was once again the standout figure for Argentina. During the tournament, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, leading the team to the final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain won 1-0 in extra time.
The former Barcelona defender also referred to the historic rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, protagonists of one of the greatest sports disputes of the last two decades. "Messi and Cristiano have provided an incredible battle between two different styles over the last 15 or 20 years. I think now, obviously, they are in the last years of both playing, but we still saw in this World Cup that they are capable of having very good matches," he expressed.
Piqué's words take on special significance due to the relationship that both shared for thirteen seasons at Barcelona, where they won numerous titles and were part of one of the most successful periods in the history of the Catalan club. Although in recent years there have been reports of a rift between them, the Spaniard made it clear again the admiration he feels for someone he considers the best footballer of all time.
