Legendary football manager Arsène Wenger has stirred fresh debate in the football world by bypassing Lionel Messi in favor of Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise as the most statistically impressive player at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. Wenger, who is currently FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, made his comments in a recent interview while previewing Inter Miami’s Round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
While acknowledging Messi’s unmatched influence on his team and the broader Major League Soccer (MLS) landscape, Wenger was clear in his assessment that the Argentine legend does not top the performance charts at this year’s Club World Cup. Instead, he reserved that praise for 22-year-old French-Nigerian winger Michael Olise, whose standout displays for Bayern Munich have drawn widespread attention.
“He [Messi] does not have the best numbers in the Club World Cup, but he is the player with the greatest influence in the MLS,” Wenger told journalist Jose Armando. “Without him, Inter Miami would never qualify. There is a significant difference.”
Wenger, known for his analytical precision and deep understanding of football dynamics, explained the nuance in his evaluation. While Messi remains a vital piece of the puzzle for Inter Miami, Olise, according to the former Arsenal boss, has delivered the most effective on-pitch output across the tournament so far.
“Michael Olise has the best stats in the tournament and excellent matches, but Bayern would qualify without him. Inter Miami doesn’t qualify without Messi,” Wenger added.
His comments come as Inter Miami prepare to face French giants PSG on Sunday evening—a highly anticipated clash that pits Messi against his former club. Despite the attention surrounding Messi’s reunion with PSG, Wenger’s remarks have redirected some of the spotlight toward Olise’s meteoric rise and tournament form.
Olise, who joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in a high-profile summer move, has made an instant impact. So far in the Club World Cup, the attacking midfielder has registered three goals and two assists in just three appearances, making him one of the top contributors in the competition. His vision, dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses have earned him praise not just from Wenger, but from analysts and fans alike.
Bayern Munich’s coach Thomas Tuchel recently lauded Olise’s maturity and hunger. “Michael is a special talent. He’s adapted very quickly and is showing that he belongs at this level,” Tuchel said during a post-match press conference. “He’s still young, but he plays with the confidence of someone who’s been here for years.”
While Olise continues to impress, Messi’s Club World Cup campaign has been relatively modest by his usual sky-high standards. The 37-year-old forward has scored just once in three games for Inter Miami, although his influence goes far beyond goals and assists. His presence on the pitch has visibly elevated the MLS side’s performance, and Wenger believes his leadership has been crucial in their progression.
Inter Miami, a team that many pundits never expected to see in a tournament of this caliber just two seasons ago, have seen their fortunes transform dramatically since Messi’s arrival. The Argentine legend joined the American club in mid-2023 after ending his stint with PSG, and his impact was immediate. Ticket sales soared, global viewership of MLS skyrocketed, and the team began climbing the domestic rankings.
“Messi didn’t just bring star power to Miami,” said American soccer analyst Taylor Twellman. “He brought belief, experience, and professionalism. His teammates play with more confidence, and that’s hard to quantify.”
Despite a relatively quiet start to the Club World Cup, Messi remains the emotional and tactical anchor of the Inter Miami squad. Coach Gerardo Martino, who previously worked with Messi at Barcelona and the Argentine national team, continues to rely heavily on his former talisman to orchestrate play and inspire results.
“Leo is still the heartbeat of this team,” Martino said ahead of their upcoming match. “His presence alone is a game-changer.”
Wenger’s remarks, however, highlight the growing complexity of football analysis in the modern era. While Messi’s legacy and current impact are undeniable, young players like Olise are beginning to shape the next chapter of the sport through measurable performance metrics and tournament influence.
In the broader context, Wenger’s acknowledgment of Olise may serve as a wake-up call for scouts and fans who still view him as a developing prospect rather than a current star. At just 22, the former Reading and Crystal Palace player is fast becoming one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders, blending creativity with consistency in a way that has made him vital to Bayern Munich’s current campaign.
Fans on social media have responded with mixed emotions to Wenger’s assessment. While many agreed with the statistical praise for Olise, others felt that Messi’s intangible contributions should not be overlooked.
“Olise is great, no doubt,” one user tweeted. “But Messi’s leadership is what’s kept Inter Miami alive in this tournament. Stats don’t show everything.”
Another user wrote: “Wenger is spot on. It’s about what you do on the pitch now. And right now, Olise is delivering.”
As Inter Miami face PSG in what is expected to be a highly emotional encounter for Messi, all eyes will also be on whether the Argentine can rise to the occasion and silence doubters. On the other end, Olise will look to continue his dominant run as Bayern Munich push for the title.
Regardless of the final outcome, the FIFA Club World Cup has already delivered compelling narratives—ones that blend the old guard of football with the next generation of stars.
