Lionel Messi did it again. Having trailed for 68 minutes of their World Cup tie against Egypt, Argentina got their equaliser through a very predictable source.
In one of the best Golden Boot races in recent memory, Messi has retaken the lead after rifling an eighth goal of the tournament off the crossbar and into Egypt’s net. Argentina would go on to grab the winner in injury time.
The 39-year-old just keeps showing up on the biggest stage, and the rest of the sporting world is recognising the greatness in front of them — including some of the NFL’s biggest stars.
Lionel Messi keeps on GOATing at the World Cup, and the NFL sees it
We’ve long run out of superlatives to describe Messi’s greatness. Even in the supposed twilight of his career, he might well be the best player at the tournament.
After helping the world champions to a dramatic comeback win, he was on the receiving end of adoration from some of American football’s biggest stars and pundits.
Patrick Mahomes didn’t overcomplicate it. He posted one emoji to X: “🐐”
The arguments against Messi being the greatest ever are on their last legs, and this World Cup run could be the nail in the coffin of the GOAT debate.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker was inspired by Argentina’s grit. He wrote: “That was a great game!! Never quit!”
Former punter and sports personality Pat McAffee was a bit more excited. Mimicking the game’s commentary, he posted: “MESSSSSIIIIIIIII THE SAVIOR FOR ARGENTINA”.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle could hardly believe what he’d seen, posting: “Argentina oh my goodness 🤯🤯”
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was even more direct in his praise. He wrote: “Messi the goat for real..”
Former Cincinnati Bengals star Chad Johnson, better known as Ochocinco, didn’t need any words at all. His reaction was simply: “😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱”
Young NFL safety Nick Emmanwori echoed a sentiment shared by millions after the final whistle, posting: “Never count out Messi 🐐”
You don’t have to be a huge soccer fan to grasp just how special an athlete this man is, but if you ever wanted to fall in love with the Beautiful Game, watching Messi tear up one last World Cup is the way to do it.
READ MORE:
Who is Haissem Hassan? Egypt’s star man who almost knocked Lionel Messi out of the World Cup
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez ‘hold heads in disbelief’ after what Egypt player did at World Cup
Lionel Messi makes World Cup history during Argentina vs Egypt
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