Lionel Messi continues to defy both physics and time at the 2026 World Cup, leaving even his former teammates amazed by his enduring excellence. As the legendary forward leads Argentina’s pursuit of back-to-back world titles, Spain’s young star Pedri has shared why his ex-Barcelona colleague remains the most effective player on the planet at 39.

Pedri praises Messi’s exceptional brilliance

Despite advancing years, Messi remains at the centre of global football attention, especially as he continues breaking records during the 2026 World Cup. Pedri, who played alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at Barcelona during the 2020-21 season, has been watching the Argentine icon’s latest feats with a familiar sense of awe. Speaking ahead of Spain’s crucial group match against Uruguay, the midfielder was quick to point out that age has done little to blunt Messi’s sharpest qualities.

In an interview with DSports, Pedri – who lifted the Copa del Rey alongside Messi at Camp Nou – expressed his lasting admiration for the football legend. “I was lucky to play and train with him, and I enjoyed and learned a lot from him. Now, I still enjoy watching him a lot,” said the Spanish midfielder.

The secret behind Messi’s longevity

While many players rely heavily on physical attributes that fade with time, Messi has refined his game around intelligence, spatial awareness, and timing. Pedri observed that watching the 39-year-old on television reveals how he controls the game with his mind rather than pure speed. The same vision that made him dominant in Europe for two decades now drives him forward on the world stage in North America.

“When you watch him on TV and focus only on him, you see how he’s always scanning for open spaces or where he can receive the ball alone. He’s overflowing with quality—more than anyone else. He sees the game a bit earlier than others and knows exactly where to be to score,” Pedri explained. Summing up the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, he added: “What he does at his age, only he can do.”

Breaking records at the World Cup

Messi’s performance in this tournament has been nothing short of historic. He has led Argentina’s attack with five goals so far—scoring a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria. His contributions have been decisive, ensuring Argentina’s progress to the knockout rounds as they aim to defend their 2022 crown.

Statistically, the Inter Miami captain has reached unprecedented heights. With 18 goals in total, he now stands as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. He also holds records for the most victories (18), most matches played (28), and the most minutes on the field (2,489).

Possible knockout stage meeting

As the tournament advances, the two former teammates could yet meet again on the pitch. Argentina will close their group stage campaign against Jordan on Saturday at the Dallas Stadium, while Spain will face Uruguay at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. After a commanding 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a draw with Cape Verde, Spain are well placed for a deep run in the competition.

Depending on how the knockout bracket unfolds, Spain and Argentina could be set for a potential showdown. A meeting in the semi-finals or final would see Pedri face his idol directly. For now, the young Spaniard remains an admirer of the man who continues to make the extraordinary seem effortless. Whether wearing the Barcelona shirt or leading Argentina on the world stage, one truth remains constant: Messi is achieving feats that defy belief at 39.