Messi's World Cup hat-trick earns 'AI' praise from Oliseh as he matches Klose's record

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina defended their World Cup title with a 3-0 win over Algeria in their 2026 opener, matching Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals. The match occurred days before Messi's 39th birthday, with former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh declaring the performance unprecedented for a 38-year-old.

Oliseh characterized Messi's display as 'Lionel Messi AI' on Global Football Insights, stating the precision and manner of his goals—not just the hat-trick—warrant this new designation. He referenced a childhood friend's long-time 'oracle' nickname for Messi but argued yesterday's performance necessitated evolution beyond that moniker, specifically praising the ball-striking technique on Messi's third goal.

This achievement places Messi in elite company as he continues to defy age expectations in football, coming shortly after his international return following the 2022 World Cup victory. While Oliseh's 'AI' metaphor is subjective, the factual accomplishment of matching Klose's record at this age represents a significant milestone in sports history.

What does this sustained excellence at an advanced age suggest about the future of athlete performance and longevity in professional sports?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/17/world-cup-lionel-messi-is-gone-what-we-have-now-is-ai-sunday-oliseh/