Patrick Mahomes, Erling Haaland, More Stars React to Lionel Messi's Historic World Cup Hat Trick

Several star athletes showed their appreciation for Lionel Messi on Tuesday night amid his hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, German soccer legend Miroslav Klose and Washington Wizards guard Trae Young, among others, made it known that they consider Messi the greatest player of all time in the sport of soccer:

A host of others, including Erling Haaland, David Beckham and Alan Shearer, also chimed in:

Messi's Argentinian countryman and San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili, and former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson also heaped praise on the 38-year-old veteran, as he kicked off his sixth World Cup in style:

After leading Argentina to a World Cup win in 2022, Messi helped La Selección get off to an ideal start in their title defense.

The Inter Miami star scored goals in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, and he was all the offense Argentina would need on Tuesday:

Messi made history in myriad ways with the hat trick, becoming the oldest player to ever score three goals in a single match at the World Cup.

He also tied Klose as the all-time leader in career World Cup goals with 16.

With at least two more matches to play in the group stage, and potentially several more beyond that in the knockout round, all signs point toward Messi being the sole record holder for World Cup goals once the tournament reaches its conclusion.

He already got his elusive World Cup title four years ago to cement his place in the GOAT conversations, so anything Messi does this time around will simply be the cherry on top of an iconic career.