Griezmann backs Messi for World Cup glory after France’s semifinal exit: “He is the greatest ever”

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With France’s World Cup dreams shattered by Spain in the semifinals, Antoine Griezmann has thrown his support behind his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, declaring the Argentine “the greatest player in history” and urging him to claim a second World Cup crown.

The 35-year-old French forward, who retired from international duty in September 2024 after a decade with Les Bleus, made the remarks during his official presentation as Orlando City’s newest signing. Griezmann, a World Cup winner in 2018 and runner-up in 2022, is watching this tournament from afar—and he knows exactly who he wants to lift the trophy.

“Now that France is out, I hope Messi wins the World Cup,” Griezmann told reporters. “He is the greatest player ever, and what he is doing in the World Cup at 39 is insane. He deserves a second World Cup and then his ninth Ballon d’Or.”

The sentiment echoes remarks Griezmann made earlier in the tournament, when he voiced hope that Messi would claim the Golden Boot while France took the title. With Les Bleus now eliminated, his allegiance has shifted fully to the Argentine icon.

A Tournament for the Ages

Messi, at 39, has delivered one of the most remarkable World Cup campaigns in history. He has scored eight goals and provided four assists, placing him atop the Golden Boot standings ahead of France captain Kylian Mbappé, who also has eight goals but trails on assists. Messi became the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches and surpassed Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in tournament history.

Argentina face Spain in Sunday’s final at New York/New Jersey, while France play England in Saturday’s third-place playoff in Miami. Griezmann, who played 83 matches alongside Messi at Barcelona and faced him 28 times during his career, said he is at peace with his decision to step away from the national team.

“Spain played the perfect game against France,” Griezmann reflected on the 2-0 semifinal defeat. “It was a bad day at the worst moment, but that’s football”.

A Ninth Ballon d’Or in Sight

Should Messi guide Argentina to glory, he would become the overwhelming favorite for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or, with organizers France Football confirming there is “no reason why not”. Prediction platforms currently rank Messi as the frontrunner—a fitting capstone for a player Griezmann believes has nothing left to prove.

“Argentina have the best player in the history of this sport,” Griezmann said. “Leo can give you two assists or two goals at any moment”.

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