Lionel Messi didn't win second World Cup, but 2026 run secured his status as an all-time global sports icon
- Posted on July 20, 2026
- By CBS Sports
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- 1 min read
In brief
Lionel Messi has transcended football to become a global sporting legend comparable to icons like Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali. Though he fell short of winning a second World Cup in his career, his 2026 World Cup participation secured his immortal status in sports history. Messi joins an exclusive circle of athletes whose names alone represent their sport worldwide, cementing his legacy beyond trophies and accolades.
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Lionel Messi didn't win second World Cup, but 2026 run secured his status as an all-time global sports icon
To live forever is for the world to know you by just one word. Messi is there with the likes of Jordan, Ali, Brady, Bolt, Serena, Phelps and a select few other all-timers
