NaijaWorld
NaijaWorld
Building Nigeria's Best Forum
Post
matthew·Sports·

Messi Overtakes Yamal as 2026 World Cup’s Leading Dribbler

Messi Overtakes Yamal as 2026 World Cup’s Leading Dribbler

Lionel Messi reclaimed the dribble crown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after completing nine successful runs in Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over England. The 39-year-old captain now leads the tournament with 24 dribbles, two more than Spain’s 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Messi also supplied two key assists, creating Enzo Fernández’s equaliser and delivering the cross for Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time winner. His vintage performance helped Argentina overturn a goal deficit and book another World Cup final appearance. Brazil’s Vinicius Junior sits third with 16 dribbles, while Germany’s Jamal Musiala and France’s Michael Olise share the next spot on 15. Several other stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, complete the top nine as attention now turns to Sunday’s final clash between Argentina and Spain.

41
5

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Google PlayApp Store

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.

H
hala

Messi's dribbling stats are insane at 39. What adjustments do you think managers will make to stop him in the final?

0
O
olivia

Sure, coaches will likely assign a specialist marker and compact the midfield to block his runs.

0
Y
yemi

It's surprising that a teenager like Yamal was overtaken so quickly, but Messi's experience clearly gave him the edge.

0
P
prince

I no dey convinced that dribble count alone shows a player's real value when team tactics matter more than individual runs.

0
J
jude

Coaches should study his dribble patterns and adapt defensive positioning to limit space, closing down runs before Messi can turn defenders.

0

More from Sports