Lionel Messi Hit 18 World Cup Goals, And Even NBA Legend Manu Ginobili Called It a 'Privilege'
Alright, fellow Seattle sports fanatics, listen up! Forget about the early season grinds for a sec, because what just went down on the global stage is absolutely wild. Lionel Messi, yeah, that Lionel Messi, just rewrote the entire FIFA World Cup history book, netting his 18th goal and seizing the all-time scoring crown! And get this, even NBA legend Manu Ginobili was in the stands with his family, reflecting later that it was an "enormous pleasure" and "What a privilege!!" to witness Messi making history.
The Goal Machine's Historic Climb
Seriously, 18 World Cup goals? That's just unreal. Messi came into this tournament tied with German legend Miroslav Klose, both sitting pretty at 16 goals. You know what he did in Argentina's opening game against Algeria? He wasn't messing around, he bagged a hat-trick! That third goal right there, that's what pulled him level with Klose. Pure class.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.
But the man wasn't finished. Nope. Against Austria, Messi went out there and scored not once, but twice! That's how he took sole possession of first place, pushing his insane tally to 18 World Cup goals. He's not just in the history books, he’s *re-writing* them. It’s the kind of performance that makes you wonder if there’s anything this dude can't do.
Even Legends Get Starstruck
Think about it, Manu Ginobili knows a thing or two about sporting greatness. The guy won four NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and even brought home an Olympic gold medal for Argentina in 2004. He’s a legend in his own right, an absolute icon for his country. Yet, he was sitting there, a fan just like us, totally captivated by Messi’s magic.
His social media post after the match said it all, didn't it? He literally called it a "privilege" to see "number 10 become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history!!" That’s the kind of moment that transcends sports, when one GOAT tips his cap to another. Meanwhile, France's Kylian Mbappe is also making moves, with his second brace against Iraq, he’s now tied with Klose himself at 16 goals. Two behind Messi, wow! But for now, the spotlight, as it should be, is all on Argentina’s captain.
So, as we watch our Mariners push through this early part of the season, and eagerly anticipate what Mike Macdonald is cooking up with Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba at Lumen Field, let's take a moment to appreciate what Messi is doing globally. He's adding another incredible chapter to an already legendary career. The entire world is watching, and what a time to be a sports fan, right? Keep those eyes peeled on Argentina, folks, because Messi just keeps making history, and we don't want to miss a second of it!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.