Lionel Messi continues to enthrall global audiences with his unparalleled skill on the football pitch. The recipient of eight Ballon d'Or awards recently set a new record for World Cup goals, achieving this feat early in the tournament's group stage.
Former USMNT player DaMarcus Beasley, who competed in four World Cups and faced football giants like Cristiano Ronaldo, expressed profound admiration for Messi's abilities. During an appearance on USA TODAY Sports' "Sports Seriously" soccer podcast, Beasley struggled to articulate the depth of Messi's talent, especially as the Argentine star approaches his late thirties. He marveled at Messi's consistent brilliance, his conduct both on and off the field, and his remarkable physical condition despite his age, describing his current performances as nothing short of extraordinary.
Beasley further highlighted the unique impact Messi has on his national team, noting that he seemingly carries Argentina on his shoulders, guiding them through deep runs in the World Cup. While appreciating Messi's presence in Inter Miami, allowing American fans to witness his talent regularly, Beasley emphasized the distinct aura and passion Messi brings when representing his country. He recounted feeling goosebumps watching Messi emerge for warm-ups, an experience he described as unprecedented. Beasley concluded by echoing the sentiments of Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, suggesting that words are inadequate to capture Messi's genius, ultimately labeling him an "alien" whose on-field actions defy normalcy, especially given his age and current leading goal-scorer status in the World Cup.
Beyond Messi's individual brilliance, Beasley also offered his perspective on the United States men's national team's performance in the 2026 World Cup. He acknowledged their achievement in winning Group D after only two matches, a first since the 2010 World Cup, despite a subsequent loss to Turkey in their final group fixture. Beasley underscored that every match holds importance for a player's competitive spirit, but from a broader perspective, the loss was inconsequential as the primary objectives of qualifying and winning the group had already been met. He stressed that a World Cup knockout stage match should provide sufficient motivation for any player, suggesting that anyone lacking such drive does not belong on a national team. The USMNT is set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, a testament to their progress and the enduring spirit of competitive football.
