Declan Rice, the midfielder for Arsenal and England, has shared his views on Lionel Messi, calling the Argentine star’s performances at nearly 39 years of age “truly very special” and “unbelievable.”
Following Messi’s recent impressive showcase, Rice noted that observing the legendary player is an extraordinary experience for both fans and fellow professionals. His remarks came after Messi delivered another captivating performance during Argentina’s World Cup match on June 22 in Dallas.
Softfootball reports that Messi is now the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history as of Monday, June 22, 2026. The Argentina captain achieved this milestone by scoring a remarkable brace against Austria, elevating his World Cup total to 18 goals and surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 goals.
This milestone adds another significant achievement to Messi’s incredible international career, which includes winning the World Cup in 2022 and consistently excelling on football’s grandest stage.
Rice emphasized the uniqueness of witnessing Messi’s durability, reliability, and his capacity to perform at an elite level despite advancing age. For numerous players and fans globally, Messi’s ongoing excellence serves as a tribute to the pinnacle of football.
As Argentina presses forward in their 2026 World Cup journey, Messi’s displays continue to reaffirm his status as one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history.
