Goodman: War Damn Messi kicks off World Cup in style

This is an opinion column.

Honorary Auburn Tiger Lionel Messi just shattered expectations, dropping a World Cup hat trick in his first appearance since making waves at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Is it pure coincidence? Perhaps, but it is an undeniable truth that the man we are calling War Damn Messi is playing the absolute best soccer of his career fresh off a visit to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

Messi ignited his World Cup campaign on Tuesday night with three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over the Fennec Foxes. It marked the first World Cup hat trick of his legendary career, bringing his total to 16 career World Cup goals—a record he now co-owns. While Messi has long been considered the GOAT, one has to wonder if the atmosphere at Jordan-Hare properly prepared him for the intensity of the World Cup on American soil. After all, playing in front of 88,043 fans in Alabama makes an attendance of 69,045 at Arrowhead Stadium look like a walk in the park.

The 48-Team Tournament: A Global Hit

Some critics predicted a disaster, but the expanded 48-team tournament has proven to be the best World Cup yet. Even the scoreless draws have provided legendary drama—look no further than Cape Verde goalie Vozinha. After holding the mighty Spanish side scoreless, his Instagram following exploded from 50,000 to 11.8 million. It is easy to see why fans are jumping on the Cape Verde bandwagon, despite the fact that the island nation, which has a population smaller than metro Huntsville, is so tiny it barely registers on some maps.

The Blue Sharks are currently tied on points in the Group H standings with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. If you are just getting started, there is still time to join the ride—they have at least two more games left in group play.

Star Power and Local Talent

The tournament is delivering elite performances across the board. Kylian Mbappé tallied two goals in France’s 3-1 win against Senegal, and Norway’s Erling Haaland secured a brace in a 4-1 victory over Iraq. Meanwhile, Birmingham’s own Chris Richards is shining on the world stage. After a masterful defensive effort that saw him complete all 83 of his passes in the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay, he is quickly becoming one of the most reliable defenders in the competition.

It is worth noting that Paraguay actually defeated Argentina during the qualifying stages—but that was before Messi’s fateful trip to Auburn. It seems that since his time in the Loveliest Village, nothing can stop the magic. Perhaps the College Football Playoff committee should be taking notes on how to run a truly entertaining bracket.

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