Post World Cup, fashion brands are tapping soccer stars like Bellingham and Yamal for partnerships
Three months after the World Cup ended in a Spanish victory, the partnerships with marquee players keep coming.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has stated that no player performed better than Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while expressing gratitude for the Argentine legend's support following a "difficult night." Yamal made these remarks in Facebook posts on Tuesday, commending Messi's World Cup performance and acknowledging his personal assistance.
"No player was better than Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!" Yamal declared in one post. In another post, he thanked Messi for checking in on him and offering words of encouragement. Yamal's comments came after he placed third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe at Monday's ceremony in London. The Barcelona teenager's reference to a "difficult night" occurred during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, though it is unclear if the award result prompted Messi's call.
Our correspondent observed that Yamal has posted praise for Messi since Monday night's event. The forward also commended Messi following Argentina's second-place finish in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Yamal further hailed Messi after he ranked fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane winning the award.
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