Why Messi is the best player at the World Cup -- and the best male athlete of all time

Lionel Messi is being celebrated as both the best player at the 2026 World Cup and the greatest male athlete of all time, according to ESPN. The argument is supported by advanced tracking data and statistical analysis covering millions of data points per game, which highlight Messi's dominance across all key metrics including scoring, chance creation, dribbling, and passing. Messi has spent 20 years at the top level of the sport, and his performances at the tournament have reinforced his legendary status.