Lionel Messi Stuns With Hat-Trick as World Cup Buzz Explodes

Lionel Messi sparked a wave of praise after leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria with a brilliant hat-trick on Wednesday morning. The reigning world champions’ star was described as unstoppable, even as he nears 40, and the article says his performance again showed that there is still no one like him.

ESPN was quoted calling Messi “a mathematician while the rest do not know arithmetic,” adding that he is “three or four steps ahead of every opponent.” The network said he is about to turn 39, has no pressure or expectations now, and enjoys true freedom on the pitch. “You cannot really stop him,” ESPN said, calling the night “magical” and saying he was “handing out goals like candy on Halloween.”

The American broadcaster added that Messi could not have started the tournament better, noting that 20 years after his first World Cup, questions had been raised about his physical ability and whether he could still deliver moments of magic for Argentina. ESPN said those doubts were answered immediately, insisting that every time he touches the ball, a goal or assist feels likely, and that “the privilege of watching Messi play today is extraordinary.”

Other players also joined the acclaim. Norway striker Erling Haaland, who scored a brace in his own team’s win that night, called Messi “crazy.” Algeria’s Issa Mandi, who faced Messi in the match, said Argentina had one player who “shows no mercy,” can score almost every time he gets a chance, and is likely the greatest player of all time.