Oyarzabal names Messi best striker ahead of Spain‑Portugal World Cup clash
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal named Lionel Messi the best striker in the 2026 World Cup ahead of his team's Round of 16 clash with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Speaking on Spanish radio, Oyarzabal said he would still choose Messi even though the Argentine is more than a traditional striker. Messi, aged 39, scored his 20th World Cup goal against Cape Verde, extending his tournament record to seven goals and marking his eighth straight match with a goal. Oyarzabal himself has been in fine form, scoring twice in Spain's 3-0 win over Austria to bring his tally to four goals in the tournament and 17 in his last 16 appearances for Spain.
For Nigerian football fans following the tournament, this exchange highlights the elite talent shaping the knockout stage and offers insight into how top players view each other's impact. Knowing that both Messi and Ronaldo are still scoring at a high level can shape expectations for the Spain-Portugal match and inform discussions about who might win the Golden Boot.
With Messi and Ronaldo both in contention, which star's form do you think will most influence the Spain-Portugal clash, and how might that shape your expectations for the match?