Lionel Messi is back at the top of another World Cup ranking. The Argentina captain has overtaken Lamine Yamal to become the tournament’s leading dribbler.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Lionel Messi has climbed to the top of the successful dribbling chart at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, moving ahead of Spain’s Lamine Yamal after another standout performance for Argentina. Updated tournament statistics place the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ahead of the young Spanish star, underlining his continued influence despite being one of the oldest players at the competition.
Why This Happened
According to the latest World Cup statistics, Messi completed more successful dribbles than any other player in the tournament, pushing him ahead of Yamal in the rankings. His close control, balance and ability to beat defenders have remained key strengths throughout Argentina’s campaign.
Yamal, who impressed in the early stages of the competition, remains among the tournament’s most effective attacking players and continues to feature near the top of the dribbling chart.
Full List of Top World Cup Dribblers
According to the latest tournament statistics:
- Lionel Messi – Argentina
- Lamine Yamal – Spain
- Other leading dribblers include several standout performers from the remaining World Cup nations, based on updated FIFA tournament data.
The rankings will continue to change as more matches are played during the tournament.
Who Is Lamine Yamal?
Lamine Yamal is a Spanish international widely regarded as one of football’s brightest young talents. The winger has attracted global attention with his pace, creativity and dribbling ability, becoming a key player for both club and country despite his young age.
What This Means for the World Cup
The development means Messi continues to demonstrate the qualities that have defined his career on football’s biggest stage. Individual statistics such as successful dribbles often reflect a player’s attacking influence, although the ultimate objective for every team remains progressing through the tournament and competing for the World Cup trophy.
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