About Author
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
By Babatunji Wusu – Former Super Eagles captain and manager Sunday Oliseh has described Lionel Messi’s remarkable display in Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as something beyond ordinary football.
The phrase Lionel Messi AI emerged after the Argentine captain inspired his side to a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria with a stunning hat-trick just days before his 39th birthday.
Messi’s three goals also saw him equal the World Cup scoring record of 16 goals set by German legend Miroslav Klose. As a result, football fans and pundits have once again praised the veteran forward for maintaining elite performance levels deep into his career.
Speaking on Global Football Insights with Oliseh, the former Super Eagles captain said Messi’s display was unlike anything football has witnessed from a player of his age.
“This is Lionel Messi AI. There is no other way to describe this. Never in the history of football has a 38-year-old man performed as Messi did yesterday,” Oliseh said.
He added that it was not only the hat-trick that impressed him but also the quality of the goals. According to Oliseh, Messi’s movement, technique and precision demonstrated why he remains one of football’s greatest players.
Furthermore, the former Ajax midfielder revealed that a childhood friend had called Messi “the oracle” for many years. However, after watching the Argentine’s latest performance, he believes a new nickname is more fitting.
“The way he struck the ball for the third goal, the precision and movement were remarkable. Based on what I saw, I will now call him Lionel Messi AI,” Oliseh said.
Meanwhile, Argentina have started their World Cup title defence in dominant fashion. Messi’s performance has strengthened expectations that the reigning champions could once again challenge for football’s biggest prize.
The Lionel Messi AI label is already generating discussion among football fans, with many agreeing that the Argentine continues to defy age and expectations on the world stage.
