Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland lead the team of the group stage of the World Cup.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland have made an absolutely overwhelming impact and secured a place in the Group Stage XI of the World Cup, according to the evaluation of Flashscore’s new rating system. The trio of superstars not only led their national teams to the knockout stage but also shattered records and left opponents in a state of pure alertness, confirming their status as living legends of world football.

The conclusion of the group stage brought a whirlwind of emotions and surprises, with 48 teams fighting for survival and giving their all on the pitch. Among the standout figures, Messi (Argentina), Mbappé (France), and Haaland (Norway) were the most prominent names at the start of the World Cup, ensuring their place in the best XI of the stage, compiled by Flashscore based on individual average ratings. To be included in this elite selection, each player had to have played at least 150 minutes. Patrick Beach (Australia), Marc Guehi (England), Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte (Spain), Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise (both France), Leandro Trossard (Belgium), and Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) complete the list of selected players.

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This choice is of utmost relevance, as it reflects not only the impact of the great players but also the weight that their performances carry in the destinies of their respective national teams. With the knockout stage approaching, the pressure is intense, and the eyes of the world are focused on these athletes, who bear the hopes of millions of fans on their shoulders. Messi, at 39 years old, continues to defy time, now as the all-time top scorer in World Cup finals, while Haaland propelled Norway to its first qualification in nearly three decades. Mbappé, for his part, has become the all-time leading scorer for the French national team in World Cups, cementing his aura of a destined star.

After Australia’s emphatic victory over Turkey, Tony Popovic, the Australian coach, explained the decision to start Patrick Beach in goal: “We knew it was a risky decision, but Beach proved he was up to the task, especially with those eight fantastic saves on his debut.” The young goalkeeper was crucial in securing second place in the group, ensuring a draw against Paraguay and earning Australia a clash with Egypt in the knockout stage.

In the defensive line, Marc Guehi, who started on the bench, established himself as the leader of the English defense in the subsequent matches against Ghana and Panama. He excelled in defensive actions, leading in tackles, recoveries, and duels won. Regarding his performance, Gareth Southgate, the English coach, commented in the press conference: “Guehi showed maturity and leadership qualities that will be crucial if we want to win a second World Cup.” Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte, both from Spain, were also decisive in a team that has yet to concede a goal and heavily relies on ball possession. Cubarsi, with a passing accuracy of 98.3%, and Laporte, with aerial dominance and offensive progression, proved to be impenetrable.

In midfield, Ousmane Dembélé silenced French critics with a lightning-fast hat-trick against Norway after being repositioned on the right wing by Didier Deschamps. “The change of position was the missing click,” Deschamps acknowledged after the match, highlighting the versatility of the PSG winger. Michael Olise, recently named Player of the Season by Bayern Munich, shone as a playmaker in the number 10 role, providing three assists and leading in key passes. “I feel comfortable here, I feel I can give everything for the team,” Olise stated following France’s qualification. Leandro Trossard (Belgium) was the soul of the Belgians, scoring two goals, creating 13 chances, and delivering a masterful performance in the victory against New Zealand. Vinícius Júnior, for his part, dispelled doubts about his worth with four goals and one assist, becoming the biggest nightmare for opposing defenders.

In the attack, Messi continues to defy logic, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria and a decisive free kick against Jordan. The Argentine, now leading the race for the Golden Boot, is preparing to face Cape Verde in the Round of 16 after surpassing Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history (19 goals). “I just want to help my national team win another trophy,” Messi assured, visibly emotional in the mixed zone. Haaland, with four goals in just two games, is making Norway dream and promises to be a nightmare for Ivory Coast in the next round. Kylian Mbappé, with 16 goals in finals and only 27 years old, seems unstoppable, having also added two assists in the last group stage match.

With the start of the Round of 16, expectations are running high. France, Spain, and Argentina emerge as the main contenders, but the inspiration of these stars can tip any match. Collective performance will be essential, but in a World Cup where the stars shine with rare intensity, anything can happen. It remains to be seen if Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland will continue to write history or if new protagonists will emerge to surprise the world.

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