Lionel Messi inspires bold Argentina prediction from Mauricio Pochettino: 'He's from a different planet'

Mauricio Pochettino was impressed with Lionel Messi’s performance in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup opener vs Algeria. The US head coach also made a prediction.

Published on: Jun 18, 2026, 18:34:09 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Mauricio Pochettino lavished praise on Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami star's hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory against Algeria in their FIFA World Cup campaign opener. The Argentina captain was in sizzling form, equaling Miroslav Klose's WC tally of 16 World Cup goals and becoming the joint top goalscorer in the tournament's history with the former German player.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria. (AFP)

Messi almost scored the first goal in the opening minutes, but it was ruled offside. Then, a few minutes later, Fares Chaibi thought he had given Algeria a shock lead, but it was also ruled offside. Then Messi struck gold in the 17th minute, receiving a sensational through ball from midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.

Also Read: England's FIFA World Cup opener offered a reminder: Harry Kane remains their greatest weapon

De Paul slipped in a perfect pass through the Algerian midfield. Messi unleashed a thunderbolt from about 25 yards out, and it nicked off the goalkeeper's fingertips and into the top-right corner.

He got his second in the 60th minute, after the goalkeeper dropped Alexis MacAllister's long-range shot. It dropped for Messi, and he placed it past the goalkeeper. Then in the 76th minute, he finished his hat-trick, with another scorcher of a shot.

'He's from a different planet': Mauricio Pochettino on Lionel Messi

Speaking to Cadena Cope, Pochettino said, "He's from a different planet. Any comparison or metaphor we use, any adjective we might use to describe him it's impossible; it wouldn't be fair."

Pochettino also feels that the defending champions are the favourites to win the title. "It is incredible to watch him. It's incredible to watch the world champions with its players, with its coaching staff, to see the fans. It was the first match we watched where you could hear the crowd more clearly than the commentators. And the icing on the cake is having Messi," he said.

"I think they're the team to beat. They're the favourites. They're the contenders, and they proved it in the first match that is always difficult," he added.

Messi made his World Cup debut as a teenager in 2006, but barely featured in that tournament. In 2010, he was the main man as Argentina's dreams were crushed by Germany. In 2014, he faced heartbreak again, losing to Germany in the final. Then in 2018, it was a total disaster, but in 2022, he silenced his critics, winning the Golden Ball as Argentina won the title in Qatar.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.