Haaland calls Messi 'madman' after record-tying hat-trick vs Algeria
Erling Haaland called Lionel Messi a 'madman' after the Argentine's hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup opening win over Algeria on June 17, 2026. The hat-trick allowed Messi to equal Miroslav Klose’s goal tally, making him the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history (tied with Klose at the time). In a Snapchat story posted during the match, Haaland wrote, 'Messi is a madman.' Hours earlier, Haaland made his World Cup debut for Norway, scoring two goals (29' and 43') in a 4-1 victory over Iraq.
For Nigerian football fans, Messi’s milestone underscores what sustained excellence looks like on the world stage, offering a benchmark for aspiring strikers. Algeria’s heavy defeat highlights the challenge African nations face when meeting traditional powerhouses early in the tournament. Haaland’s public admiration, despite being a rival superstar, shows the mutual respect that exists among elite players—a narrative that can inspire local athletes to appreciate greatness regardless of team allegiance.
Messi’s record puts pressure on him to break the tie outright in Argentina’s upcoming matches; fans can watch if he surpasses Klose in the next game. Haaland’s strong start for Norway signals he will be a key contender for the Golden Boot, making his matches worth following. Will you be tracking Messi’s pursuit of an outright record in Argentina’s next fixture, or does Haaland’s praise remind you to celebrate excellence wherever it appears?