The admiration Messi inspires transcends borders and team jerseys. In the midst of the tournament, Rice expressed his amazement at the level the No. 10 continues to maintain at 38 years old.
Rice Names Kane and Messi at Boston Stadium
Rice addressed reporters at a press conference before the England-Ghana match at Boston Stadium. When asked to name the World Cup's most important player, he did not hesitate to mention his own captain, Harry Kane. He also singled out Messi and the exceptional form the Argentine No. 10 is showing, stating that what Messi is doing is unique in recent soccer history.
On the other hand as well, you have to do say about what Messi's doing at a World Cup as well. I think it's just very special that we're witnessing this and what he's doing at his age is incredible,
Rice said of the Argentine captain, who will turn 39 on June 24.
So even as a neutral, as a football fan and a lover as well as a football player, it's incredible to watch him too,
Messi's Sixth World Cup and Tournament Records
The praise comes at a strong moment for Messi in the 2026 World Cup. Playing in his sixth World Cup, he has scored five goals in just two tournament matches after netting a hat trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria.
Thanks to those performances, Messi has cemented his position as the tournament's leading scorer and expanded his legacy in World Cup history. He now leads the rankings for wins with 18, matches played with 28, and minutes played with 2,489 in World Cup competition.
His goals have not only secured another victory for Argentina but also the team's qualification for the Round of 16.
England's Group Stage Path
Meanwhile, England will look to seal its spot in the next round when it faces Ghana on June 23. The team coached by Thomas Tuchel is riding high after its 4-2 victory over Croatia in its opener and counts Rice as one of its key players in midfield.
England will close out the group stage against Panama on June 27 at New York-New Jersey Stadium.
