The NBA world is fresh off enjoying a thrilling Finals series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
However, with the FIFA World Cup now underway and Lionel Messi launching Argentina’s title defense with a sensational hat trick, basketball personalities shifted their focus, delivering ecstatic reactions.
NBA World Erupts After Lionel Messi’s Hat Trick Powers Argentina Past Algeria
At 38 years old and appearing in his sixth World Cup, Messi scored the first World Cup hat trick of his storied career in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday. He found the net in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes as the 3 goals brought his World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose for the most goals scored in World Cup history.
The achievement carried extra significance, coming exactly 20 years after June 16, 2006, the day Messi scored his first-ever World Cup goal.
Messi’s 3rd goal sparked celebrations among the large contingent of Argentine supporters inside the stadium, and social media quickly filled with reactions praising the soccer icon.
“Lionel Messi is the greatest there was and greatest there ever will be. My goodness. Hatrick in his first game of the tournament at 38 years old + ties the record for most World Cup goals,” The Athletic’s Esfandiar Baraheni wrote.
Lionel Messi is the greatest there was and greatest there ever will be. My goodness.
Hatrick in his first game of the tournament at 38 years old + ties the record for most World Cup goals.
🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) June 17, 2026
Veteran sports analyst Skip Bayless even compared Messi’s excellence to pop icon Taylor Swift.
“Tonight at Arrowhead, Messi was even bigger than Taylor Swift,” Bayless declared.
Tonight at Arrowhead, Messi was even bigger than Taylor Swift.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 17, 2026
Messi’s World Cup journey began as a teenager at the 2006 tournament in Germany. Since then, he has become the face of Argentine football, leading his country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
Messi’s latest masterclass added another chapter to his legendary career, as it marked his 200th match for Argentina. The 38-year-old became the oldest player ever to achieve a World Cup hat trick, scoring all of Argentina’s goals.
Some NBA players also joined the celebration following Messi’s major milestone.
Four-time NBA champion Manu Ginóbili, who was born in Argentina, cheekily lauded Messi.
“Hey, that kid plays well with the number 10… I like it!” Ginóbili posted in Spanish.
Che, juega bien el pibito ese con el 10… Me gusta!
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) June 17, 2026
Meanwhile, Washington Wizards star Trae Young crowned Messi the GOAT.
“🐐 Messi,” Young wrote.
🐐 Messi
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 17, 2026
Former Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Theo Pinson also gushed that, “Messi is insane.”
Messi is INSANE‼️
— Theo pinson (@tpinsonn) June 17, 2026
Besides Messi’s individual brilliance, Argentina looked strong as a team. Their defense remained solid throughout the match, and the squad emerged healthy from the opener.
The win provided an ideal start to the group stage, with Argentina now turning its attention to upcoming matches against Austria and Jordan as it continues its quest for another World Cup title.
