Lionel Messi turns 39 today, on June 24, 2026, and to celebrate the football legend’s birthday, here’s a look at his ultimate World Cup-era Dream Team XI featuring players he played with or against (Image: AFP)
Goalkeeper — Manuel Neuer: The gold standard of modern goalkeeping. Neuer revolutionized the sweeper-keeper role and was instrumental in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph. Messi came agonizingly close to beating him in the final, but Neuer’s legacy remains unmatched.
Right Back — Dani Alves: One of the most decorated footballers in history, Alves combined relentless energy with elite technical ability. Though often remembered as Messi’s Barcelona teammate, he was also a World Cup rival with Brazil. (Image: fabriziorom/Instagram)
Centre Back — Sergio Ramos: A fierce competitor and serial winner. Ramos spent years battling Messi in El Clasico before facing him on the international stage. His leadership, aerial dominance and clutch performances earn him a place in this XI. (AFP)
Centre Back — Virgil van Dijk: The Dutch captain became one of the defining defenders of his generation. His composure, positioning and physical presence make him a natural fit alongside Ramos in this dream team. (Image: liverpooloffside)
Left Back — Marcelo: Pure football artistry from the back. Marcelo’s creativity and attacking instincts transformed the left-back role, making him one of the most entertaining defenders Messi ever shared a World Cup era with.
Midfield — Andrés Iniesta: The architect of Spain’s golden generation. Iniesta’s intelligence, vision and ability to control the biggest matches make him one of the finest midfielders Messi ever played alongside.
Midfield — Luka Modrić: The heartbeat of Croatia’s remarkable World Cup journeys. Modrić’s elegance and endurance allowed him to dominate tournaments well into his late 30s, including memorable battles against Messi.
Midfield — Xavi Hernández: If football had a conductor, it was Xavi. His passing range and tactical mastery helped define an era and provided the perfect foundation for many of Messi’s greatest performances. (Image: fcbarcelona.com)
Forward — Cristiano Ronaldo: The greatest rival of Messi’s generation. Across multiple World Cups, Ronaldo remained a relentless goalscoring force and one of football’s most recognizable icons.
Forward — Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi: The final attacking spots pick themselves. Mbappé announced himself as football’s future with his World Cup exploits, while Messi completed his story with the ultimate prize in 2022. Together, they represent two generations of greatness. (Picture Credit: AP)
Fan Debate: Who misses out?: Would you replace Alves with Cafu? Swap Van Dijk for Thiago Silva? Find room for Neymar, Zinedine Zidane (in pic), Müller or Griezmann? Build your own Messi World Cup Dream Team. (Image: britannica.com)
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