Three goals, a luxurious performance, and an unequivocal statement: [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/argelia-queixa-se-a-fifa-por-expulsao-perdoada-a-messi-frente-a-argentina/) has once again ignited the debate over who is, after all, the greatest footballer in history. In the aftermath of his hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup, it was Sergio Aguero who decided it was time to put an end to this discussion that has divided fans, players, and commentators for decades. “Messi is the greatest of all time. I want this debate to end,” declared the former forward, now a football commentator and long-time friend of the Argentine star.
Sergio Aguero, former striker for Manchester City and ex-son-in-law of Diego Maradona, did not hold back his words after witnessing, live at the stadium in Kansas City, one of Messi’s most impressive performances in a World Cup final. Even while still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury sustained in March during a friendly match, Aguero made a point to be present in the press area and did not hide his emotion: “What can I say? Everyone saw what happened. I have goosebumps, it was an incredible emotion. I stopped playing a long time ago, but he continues to be the strongest of them all,” assured the former Argentine international, born in 1988, just a year after Messi.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
The impact of this start in the World Cup is immediate and widespread across global football. For many, Messi has finally sealed his status as the “greatest of all time” with his victory at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Now, at 38 years old, Messi is once again the beacon of the Argentine national team, reinforcing the idea that his longevity and genius are unparalleled in the history of the sport. The debate between Messi, Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo, fueled for over a decade, seems to have reached a saturation point — at least for Aguero: “In his debut, he scored three goals right away. Leo is the greatest footballer of all time. And on this, I would like the debate to end. Enough,” he stated bluntly, making it clear that his admiration goes far beyond personal friendship.
Aguero did not stop at compliments and also expressed his desire to play alongside his compatriot again, even if only in a playful context: “I hope they continue to say he is at the end, so that he keeps bringing us joy in America. With him, anything is possible. It even makes me want to play alongside him again…,” confessed the former striker, emphasizing how much Messi continues to surprise and inspire even those who have shared the pitch with him.
The now ESPN commentator also recalled a particularly emotional moment before the match against Algeria. While doing a live broadcast near the pitch, Messi surprised him with a gesture of affection, touching him amicably during the warm-up: “We have a true friendship, but I never expected a gesture like that. He was preparing for his World Cup debut and took the time to come greet me. How beautiful,” Aguero commented, visibly moved by his friend’s attention.
For Argentina, this perfect debut could not be more promising. Messi showed he is in both physical and mental condition to lead the national team in another campaign towards glory, while the pressure on the opponents increases exponentially. It remains to be seen if, with this explosive start, Argentina can repeat the feat of 2022 — or even surpass it — and if Messi will finally see his name unanimously accepted as the greatest footballer of all time.
The upcoming match for Argentina promises to be scrutinized under a microscope by critics and fans around the world. If Messi continues at this level, it will be hard to find arguments to prolong a debate that, according to Aguero, should already be closed. But, as always, football loves surprises and never closes chapters before their time — and that is what keeps the flame alive in every World Cup.
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