Lionel Messi has once again been the driving force behind Argentina's World Cup campaign. The 39-year-old is enjoying another remarkable tournament, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals while finding the net in every match so far. He has also continued to add to his long list of records with almost every appearance. More importantly, Messi has delivered when Argentina have needed him most. He inspired the defending champions to escape difficult situations against Cape Verde and Egypt, producing decisive moments that kept their title defence alive. While a new generation of stars continues to emerge, Messi has once again shown why he remains the standard everyone is trying to reach, setting the pace in the Golden Boot race and proving he can still decide the biggest matches on football's grandest stage.
Lionel Messi is leading the Golden Boot race. (AP Photo)
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Messi's performances have drawn admiration from across the football world, including Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who admitted he has been amazed by the Argentina captain's level at 39. Yamal said everyone knows Messi's greatness, but believes very few expected him to dominate the tournament in the way he has.
Speaking to a Spanish outlet, El Mundo Deportivo, as quoted by ESPN, Yamal said on Messi, "Incredible (on Messi's performances this tournament). Everyone knows who Messi is, but no one expected him to be playing at such a high level. I am really happy for him."
Meanwhile, talking about his World Cup campaign so far, Yamal believes he still has another level to reach. The teenager admitted he is continuing to regain rhythm after spending nearly two months on the sidelines through injury and insisted he is his own biggest critic. Yamal said he expects his best football to come in the latter stages of the tournament as he builds match fitness and confidence.
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Meanwhile, talking about his World Cup campaign so far, Yamal believes he still has another level to reach. The teenager admitted he is continuing to regain rhythm after spending nearly two months on the sidelines through injury and insisted he is his own biggest critic. Yamal said he expects his best football to come in the latter stages of the tournament as he builds match fitness and confidence.
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"I had been out for almost two months, and it is not the same as when you have played seven games in a row. I need to keep touching the ball, keep playing, keep racking up minutes, and, obviously, that game will come," said the Spanish star.
"I think I can do better. I am very hard on myself. I am not satisfied with what I do. I have never been the best player in the group stage. I am not worried about that. I know I have opportunities to prove it. The closer the important matches get, the semifinals or the final, the better I play,' he added.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/‘No one expected Lionel Messi to be playing at such a high level’: Lamine Yamal blown away by Argentina captain
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