Former Barcelona captain Gerard Piqué has joined the growing list of football legends paying tribute to Lionel Messi following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reflecting on Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the final, Piqué admitted that losing a World Cup final is one of the toughest experiences a footballer can endure. However, he insisted that the tournament only strengthened Messi's legacy as the greatest player the sport has ever seen.
> "Losing a World Cup final is incredibly painful. I think Messi proved once again, through this World Cup, that he is the greatest player in football history."
A TOURNAMENT THAT SILENCED EVERY DOUBT
At 39 years old, many believed the 2026 World Cup would simply be a farewell appearance for Messi.
Instead, the Argentine captain once again became the heart of his national team, leading Argentina all the way to another World Cup final with performances that amazed fans, teammates and opponents alike.
Throughout the tournament, Messi combined goals, assists, leadership and experience to guide Argentina through difficult moments. Whether creating chances, scoring decisive goals or controlling the tempo of matches, he continued to prove why he remains football's ultimate reference on the biggest stage.
PIQUÉ: "HE HELPED HIS COUNTRY REACH THE FINAL"
Piqué also highlighted Messi's decisive contribution during Argentina's campaign.
> "He scored so many goals and helped his country reach the final."
Messi finished the tournament with eight goals, making him one of the standout players of the World Cup despite Argentina falling just short in the final. It was yet another extraordinary international campaign from a player who had already conquered the world in Qatar four years earlier.
DEFEAT DOES NOT DEFINE GREATNESS
While Spain ultimately lifted the trophy after a hard-fought final, Piqué believes the result changes nothing about Messi's place in football history.
The former Barça defender emphasized that reaching another World Cup final at the age of 39 is an achievement very few players could ever dream of. Rather than focusing on the defeat, he believes Messi should be proud of everything Argentina accomplished throughout the competition.
> "In the end, he couldn't win the trophy, but I'm sure he'll be very proud of everything he achieved."
Argentina's journey ended in disappointment, but the respect earned by Messi throughout the tournament only continued to grow.
TEAMMATES WHO SHARED A GOLDEN ERA
Piqué's words carry extra weight because he witnessed Messi's greatness from closer than almost anyone.
The two spent more than a decade together at Barcelona, winning multiple La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, three FIFA Club World Cups and countless domestic cups while forming part of one of the greatest teams football has ever seen.
Having shared the dressing room with Messi during the most successful era in Barça's history, Piqué has repeatedly described the Argentine as a unique footballer whose influence cannot be measured only by goals or trophies.
PRAISE FROM FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST NAMES CONTINUES
Piqué's comments come just days after several football icons, including Zlatan Ibrahimović, also praised Messi's performances during the World Cup.
Despite Argentina narrowly missing out on a second consecutive world title, Messi's displays throughout the tournament have once again reinforced why so many former players, coaches and supporters continue to regard him as the greatest footballer of all time.
For Piqué, the debate is already over.
The World Cup did not change Messi's legacy.
It only added another unforgettable chapter to it.
Sources: 📰 FIFA, 📰 Opta Analyst, 📰 The Guardian