The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada starting June 12. For millions of fans it will be the last chance to see two of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, go head-to-head on the biggest stage.
Messi is the reigning champion, having led Argentina to victory in Qatar 2022. But apart from the trophies, what makes this World Cup special is a new generation of young stars raised watching him. The players haven’t simply looked on from afar and admired Messi. Many have said it publicly, in interviews and on camera.
5 Players At The 2026 World Cup Who Have Spoken Out About Lionel Messi Being Their Idol
5. Christian Pulisic (USA)
Christian Pulisic is the biggest name in American football right now. He plays for AC Milan and captains the USMNT the host nation at this World Cup.
Back in 2018, ESPN asked Pulisic the classic question: Messi or Ronaldo? He didn’t hesitate.
“Nothing against Ronaldo because I’ve seen it first hand, he’s an unbelievable player. It’s not an easy one [who is better], but I would say Messi because growing up he was always my favourite.”
The USA are playing at home this summer, so pressure on Pulisic will be huge. If Argentina and the USMNT meet in the knockout rounds, fans could get a rare moment Pulisic playing directly against the man he grew up watching.
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4. Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Jamal Musiala is one of the most exciting midfielders in world football at the moment. The Bayern Munich star is known for his quick feet, clever movement and ability to unlock defences traits that remind many of a certain Argentine.
In an interview with MARCA (via Albiceleste Talk), Musiala was asked about his idols growing up:
“Your absolute idol was Messi, right? Yes. I admired him a lot and he always fascinated me. I grew up watching Leo and Neymar. They were my favourites because they entertained me a lot and brought a lot of joy to the game. I always stopped to watch them: Leo scoring goals or Neymar doing those tricks with the ball. Then I would go to the garden and try to imitate them. I’ve always liked them.”
Germany and Argentina haven’t met at a World Cup since the fabled 2014 final. If they meet again in 2026, Musiala will finally get his chance to take on his childhood hero on the pitch.
3. Pedri (Spain)
At just 23 years old, Pedri is already among the best midfielders in the world. His story is unique because he actually played with Messi at Barcelona before the Argentine left the club in 2021.
In a 2024 interview with Twitch streamer Ibai Llanos (via GOAL), Pedri opened up about what it felt like to share a dressing room with his idol:
“Messi is the best player in history. I used to watch him training and say, ‘What am I doing here with him’. And I would stare at him all the time. When I arrived at Barça the first person I saw in the dressing room was Messi. He had that aura.”
Pedri and Messi played 47 times for Barcelona. But the thing is, they have never faced each other in a competitive match. If Spain and Argentina play at this World Cup, that changes everything.
2. Julian Alvarez (Arg)
Julian Alvarez has a story that most footballers can only dream about. He grew up idolizing Messi, and then actually got to win the World Cup alongside him in 2022 at just 22 years old.
On Manchester City’s official website, Alvarez shared just how much Messi meant to him (via FIFA):
“Messi has been my idol since I was a child. He is my family’s idol, the idol of my brothers too. So Messi is a hero for me. Playing for my country is a dream come true. I dreamed as a child to play in the national team with Messi. To have achieved this at the age of 22 obviously makes me feel very proud, happy, and I have to keep going for more success.”
Now at Atletico Madrid, Alvarez has grown into a world-class striker. There are strong reports linking him to a move to Barcelona after the tournament which would be a poetic full-circle moment, returning to Messi’s former home. At the 2026 World Cup, he gets to play alongside his idol one more time.
1. Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Lamine Yamal is a name on this list that is not to be taken lightly. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger already has a reputation as the next great player of his generation, he plays in the same position, for the same club, with the same left foot as Messi.
Earlier this year, after winning the Laureus Award, Yamal spoke about Messi in a way that showed just how deep that admiration goes (via Albiceleste Talk):
“When you realise an athlete isn’t just a legend of their sport but of all sports, Messi, who for me is the best player in history, and if he isn’t the greatest athlete ever, he’s definitely in that conversation with all of them. He’s more than an idol, I think everyone respects him for everything he’s done. He’s been part of the childhood of every kid when we played in the park or at school, and I hope I’ll be able to follow in his path.”
What makes this even more special? Messi himself has praised Yamal, saying the young Spaniard reminds him of his own younger self. That kind of approval from the GOAT means everything.
Yamal has a long career ahead. But the 2026 World Cup could give him his most iconic moment yet stepping onto the same pitch as the player he has looked up to his whole life.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Who Is The youngest Player At This Year’s World Cup?
