Lionel Messi didn't win second World Cup, but 2026 run secured his status as an all-time global sports icon

Lionel Messi did not win a second FIFA World Cup in 2026, but his performance during the tournament has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in global sports history. CBS Sports places him alongside other single-name icons such as Jordan, Ali, Brady, Bolt, Serena, and Phelps as athletes known universally by just one name. Despite falling short of a second title, Messi's 2026 World Cup run is considered sufficient to secure his place among the all-time greats across all sports.