World Cup 2026: Haaland Calls Messi 'Insane' After Hat-Trick Performance

Norwegian football star Erling Haaland has publicly lauded Lionel Messi, calling the Argentine captain "insane" after Messi's spectacular hat-trick in a World Cup match against Algeria. Haaland shared his admiration on Snapchat, accompanying his comment with a crown emoji, which quickly went viral across social media platforms.

The Manchester City striker's effusive praise underscores the deep respect many players hold for the legendary Messi. This latest accolade from Haaland comes shortly after his own impressive World Cup debut, where he scored two goals in Norway's decisive 4-1 victory over Iraq.

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He is insane.

Haaland's admiration for Messi is not new. In March 2024, he stated in an interview that Messi is "the best ever," acknowledging his numerous accolades, including the Ballon d'Or, The Best FIFA award, and the World Cup title. Messi, in turn, has also publicly praised Haaland, recognizing his exceptional goal-scoring ability and predicting he will dominate world football in the coming years.

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He obtained those trophies [referring to the Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA award of 2023] and also won the World Cup. He is the best ever, in my opinion.

During the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Messi told Haaland, "You had an incredible year, won the Champions League, the Premier League, and were the top scorer. This award could also have been yours today and it would have been totally deserved. Surely in the next few years you will win it."

Notably, during his World Cup debut against Iraq, Haaland also made headlines for a subtle change on his jersey. He opted to display both his surnames, "Braut Haaland," honoring his mother, Gry Marita Braut, a former heptathlete, alongside his father's surname, Alf-Inge Haaland, a former professional footballer.

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Erling had an incredible year, won the Champions League, the Premier League, and was the top scorer. This award could also have been yours today and it would have been totally deserved. Surely in the next few years you will win it.