Xavi calls Lionel Messi the 'Michael Jordan of football'

Former Barcelona manager Xavi lavished praise on Lionel Messi, comparing the Argentine icon to basketball legend Michael Jordan. The tribute followed Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, which saw him equal the record for the most goals ever scored at the tournament.

"I like to say that he is the Michael Jordan of football," the former Barcelona midfielder told The Athletic. "In football, there is no one to compare to him. He has surpassed the greats of the past because of his longevity: he’s been the best for the last 20 years.

Even now, after all this time, he goes and out and shows us that. His mentality is extraordinary." Despite being 38, Messi’s display in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria left onlookers stunned. "I messaged Leo after the Algeria game. I told him that he was a joke, that I could only laugh when I saw what he had done.

Argentina

lionel messi, xavi, michael jordan, hat-trick, algeria, world cup, 2026, most goals, argentina, the athletic