Lionel Messi Declared Greatest Male Athlete Ever After 2026 World Cup Performance
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi continues to redefine sports excellence by leading Argentina on the world’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup. ESPN analyst Ryan O'Hanlon wrote a column asserting that Messi is not only the greatest footballer of all time but also the greatest male athlete in history. O'Hanlon noted that prior to the tournament, many expected Messi’s advancing age to reduce his role, especially after a less dominant Copa America 2024 and years in MLS. However, Messi defied expectations by delivering performances that set him apart from all other players.
Messi entered the World Cup final against Spain tied with Kylian Mbappé as the top scorer with eight goals and led the tournament with 34 shots on goal. He also excelled in creating scoring opportunities, recording four assists and leading in expected assists (xA), a metric assessing the quality of chances created. Analyst Michael Kayley highlighted Messi’s unique mastery over all aspects of the game: ball progression, chance creation, and finishing. Even at 39, Messi completed 68 progressive passes and 45 carries, surpassing younger stars like Spain’s 19-year-old Amin Yamal.
Data from the analytics firm Futi rated Messi in the 99th percentile for impact on scoring probability, compared to Mbappé’s 83rd percentile. While Messi’s current stats do not match his peak Barcelona years, O'Hanlon argued that his present form still outshines every other player worldwide. The column compared Messi to legends across sports such as Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods, and Usain Bolt. O'Hanlon emphasized two criteria for the greatest athlete: dominance over peers and the global reach of the sport. Football’s worldwide popularity and accessibility strengthen Messi’s case.
Usain Bolt was noted as Messi’s closest rival, having won multiple Olympic golds and set enduring world records, but Messi’s nearly two decades at the top surpass Bolt’s peak years. Messi won his first Ballon d’Or at 21 and remains the best player nearly 20 years later. O'Hanlon concluded that Messi’s 2026 World Cup run has widened his lead not only over football but over all sports, declaring unequivocally, "He is the greatest male athlete of all time, and no, it’s not even close."
