The FIFA Worldcup, Football’s biggest tournament, came to a close last weekend with Spain emerging as the 2026 champions.
With preliminary estimates indicating that more than 1.8 billion people—equivalent to about 21.69% of the world’s population—watched the Spain vs. Argentina final, reaching the finals stage is akin to standing on top of the world.
For Spainish Star Rodri, reaching the finals, winning it, and being named the best player in the tournament is possibly the crown of his career.
The Manchester City maestro, however, wasted no time in reminding the entire globe, the source of his success.
“I am a Christian, and I am sure someone up above helped us. I want us to be an example for future generations.” Rodri, who captained Spain, said in the post final press conference.
Rodri further emphasized that God blesses hard work, saying, “In life and in football, when you do things right, God rewards you.”
It was not just the Spanish talisman who, in his biggest moment of human glory, elevated God.
Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi throughout the tournament emphasized the place of his Christian faith in achieving success.
From receiving religious gifts from fans to open credence to God during interviews, the openly Christian football great has lived loud his faith during the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to the press after his memorable hatrick against Algeria I group stages Messi credited God for much of his footballing success.
“I can’t ask God for more. He has given me everything in sport, and the only thing I can ask for is health for myself and my family, and to be able to continue enjoying all these moments with this group that has brought joy to people for so long.”
By footballing standards Messi was not meant to achieve the heights of success he has managed.
Messi’s height was always going to be his waterloo, diagnosed with a growth problem at 11 years,Messi would have remained just 4-foot-7 (140 cm) without painful and expensive daily hormone injections.
Today, he stands at 170 cm, which is pale in comparison to fellow strikers like Erling Halland who is 195 cm tall.
But the little boy from Rosario, a moniker he got as a result of his small stature, has big God.
When asked about God’s plan for his life after beating England to secure a place at the final Messi answered.
“I am grateful for everything God has given me, whether in my sports career or in my personal life. And as I always say, as for the rest… It will be God’s will. God knows.”
But it is not just moments of Glory that has shone the light on God at the tournament held in Mexico, Canada and the USA.
After registering one of the biggest losses in the world cup in a 7-0 goal torrent to Germany, Curacąo players joined their German rivals in prayer after the final whistle.
When asked about the moment German midfielder Felix Nmecha explained: “During the game we are opponents, but after the game, we are all Christians. We are all brothers.”
Other players who used the World Cup to point fans to God include USA’s Christian Pulisic and England’s Bukayo Saka.
