Matt Damon calls Lionel Messi 'the greatest' and 'a hero' in World Cup tribute

Hollywood star Matt Damon has publicly declared his admiration for Lionel Messi, calling the Argentine captain 'the best of history' and 'a hero in my house' during a promotional interview for Christopher Nolan's film La Odisea.

Family connection

Damon, married to Argentine Luciana Barroso, said the sentiment extends to both sides of his family. "It is for all my family in Argentina, but also for my family here in the United States," he told TN Source: infobae. He also noted that with the U.S. eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium, his household is now fully behind Argentina Source: clarin.

World Cup context

• Messi is leading the 2026 World Cup scoring charts with eight goals, breaking Miroslav Klose's record Source: infobae.
• Damon expressed sadness that this is likely Messi's last World Cup: "I'm sad because this is going to be his last World Cup" Source: clarin.
• Argentina advanced to the quarterfinals after wins over Cape Verde and Egypt, and will face Switzerland next Source: infobae.

Damon's comments add to the global "Messimanía" surrounding the star's final World Cup campaign.