Lionel Messi once again produced a magical performance on Saturday night, leading Argentina to a 3-1 win over Jordan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As Messi continued to show his dominance on soccer’s biggest stage, the NBA world was quick to flood social media with reactions.
NBA Erupts After Lionel Messi Powers Argentina to Another World Cup Victory
Messi came off the bench against Jordan, but it didn’t take long for him to remind the world why he remains one of soccer’s greatest stars. Introduced in the 60th minute, the Argentine made an immediate impact, sealing the win with a superb low free-kick in the 80th minute.
The goal added another huge achievement to Messi’s legendary career.
He became the first player in men’s FIFA World Cup history to score in 7 consecutive matches, surpassing the previous record of 6 straight games shared by France’s Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil’s Jairzinho (1970).
Messi had already made history earlier in the group stage by overtaking former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
DON’T MISS: ‘Was in a Bad Mood’ — NBA Insider Reveals LeBron James Was ‘Annoyed’ By ESPN’s ‘The Decision’
His free-kick against Jordan marked his record-extending 19th World Cup goal.
Across the tournament’s history, only 9 other players have ever scored at least 11 World Cup goals, while Messi has netted 11 goals in just his last 7 World Cup appearances.
Messi’s performance once again triggered the debate over where he ranks among the greatest athletes in sports history.
“Messi might actually be the greatest athlete of all time,” a user said.
Messi might actually be the greatest athlete of all time
— Hana 🧡 (@HanaHoops) June 28, 2026
“Messi might genuinely go for back to back world cups and we’ll all be witnesses,” a LeBron James fan account commented.
Even the popular NBA parody account Hater Report joined the conversation, highlighting a sign from a fan.
A Jordan World Cup fan made a sign calling out Michael Jordan:
“SORRY MICHAEL WE WERE JORDAN FIRST” 😂 pic.twitter.com/0oviFvIEg2
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) June 28, 2026
The strike against Jordan also brought Messi’s total to 6 goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving him the outright lead in the Golden Boot race.
Several of the tournament’s biggest stars, including Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Erling Haaland, are close behind with 4 goals apiece.
As Messi continued to dominate, basketball fans also began comparing his legacy to that of NBA icon James.
“It’s either him or Bron,” one said.
It’s either him or Bron
— Rob (@RobinPierr83209) June 28, 2026
“By far and it’s not even close, he has a 91 goal year to his name, thats like LeBron having 200 point game to his name and somehow crazier,” a user said.
With Saturday’s win, Argentina completed a perfect group-stage campaign, collecting 9 points from 3 matches with a flawless 3-0-0 record.
Argentina’s title defense will continue with a Round of 32 clash against the Cinderella nation of Cabo Verde on July 3 in Miami.
