Lionel Messi sparked a wave of praise on Wednesday morning after scoring a stunning hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 World Cup. The reigning world champions were led once again by their captain, who is nearing his 40th birthday and still drawing comparisons to the greatest players ever.
ESPN called Messi “a mathematician while everyone else does not know arithmetic,” saying he seems “three or four steps ahead” of every opponent. The network said he cannot really be stopped, adding that the night was “magic” and that he was handing out goals “like candy on Halloween.” It also said Messi could not have started the tournament better, despite questions about his physical condition 20 years after his first World Cup.
The broadcaster added that his talent remains permanent and that “every time he touches the ball” it is hard not to expect a goal or an assist. ESPN concluded that simply watching him play at this stage of his career is “exceptional,” and argued that when the debate is the greatest of all time, no case can be made against Messi, calling him “the best ever.”
The praise was not limited to the American media. Norway striker Erling Haaland, who scored twice in his own team’s win on the night, called Messi “crazy.” Algeria defender Ismaël Mandi, who faced Messi in the match, said Argentina had a player who does not show mercy, can score almost every chance, and is likely the best footballer of all time. Mandi said Algeria tried to limit him, but “it simply does not work.”
