Mikel Oyarzabal labels Lionel Messi the top forward
Spanish attacker Mikel Oyarzabal has identified Argentina captain Lionel Messi as the premier number nine competing in the current FIFA World Cup. He remarked that while he wouldn't strictly label Messi a striker since he embodies the essence of the sport, he would still select him regardless. Messi currently holds the second spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot standings, having netted seven goals.