- Spain head coach Luis De La Fuente heaped praise on Lionel Messi amid his marvellous 2026 World Cup run at 39 years old.
- De La Fuente praised Messi’s level of play by remarking how he looks nearly 20 years younger than his actual age.
- De La Fuente stated, ‘Messi looks like he’s 19 or 23 years old. He’s performing at an exceptional level. It’s not just his maturity anymore, but above all, his commitment. He’s tireless, he’s never satisfied. He always wants more, every single day. He’s an example for all of his teammates, for football lovers, and for everyone who’s just starting out in the game’.
- Messi is the de facto Golden Boot leader with eight goals, having played one fewer match than Kylian Mbappe, who reached the eight-goal tally during France’s QF win over Morocco.
- Messi is widely considered the frontrunner for his third World Cup Golden Ball for singlehandedly carrying Argentina’s offense through the tournament.
Spain head coach Luis De La Fuente has lauded Lionel Messi for his extraordinary performance during the 2026 World Cup, where he continues to defy age at 39 years old. De La Fuente remarked, “Messi looks like he’s 19 or 23 years old. He’s performing at an exceptional level.”1245
He emphasized Messi's tireless commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence, stating, “He’s never satisfied. He always wants more, every single day.” This dedication makes Messi a role model not only for his teammates but also for aspiring footballers worldwide.
Currently, Messi is the de facto Golden Boot leader with eight goals, having played one fewer match than Kylian Mbappe, who matched this tally during France’s quarterfinal victory over Morocco. Messi's performance has positioned him as the frontrunner for his third World Cup Golden Ball, as he has been instrumental in carrying Argentina's offense throughout the tournament.
De La Fuente's admiration for Messi reflects the broader recognition of the player's impact on the game, as he continues to inspire both fans and players alike.
“Messi is the de facto Golden Boot leader with eight goals, having played one fewer match than Kylian Mbappe, who also has eight goals. De La Fuente noted Messi's exceptional performance, stating, 'He looks like he’s 19 or 23 years old,' highlighting his tireless commitment and influence on teammates.”
