On Tuesday, Lionel Messi’s sensational performance in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria prompted Skip Bayless to compare 2026 NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson to the soccer legend.
“Jalen Brunson has a little Messi in him,” Bayless wrote on X.
Bayless commented shortly after Messi found the back of the net for the second time during the game. Shortly after, the Argentine maestro scored his third for a first-ever World Cup hat-trick.
Bayless didn’t elaborate on his take, but it could be related to the heart both players show in their respective sports despite their physical limitations. Messi is among the shorter players in the game with his 5-foot-7 inch frame.
However, he’s used his limitations as strengths. Like Brunson, he’s quick and uses his elite footwork to get the better of his opponents. He’s also unfazed going up against physically dominant defenders despite the toll it can take on his body.
At 6-foot-2, Brunson is considered a small guard. Several analysts, players and coaches have claimed that it would limit him from being a “1A” player on a championship team. But the Knicks superstar put those doubts to bed after leading New York to its first title in 53 years on Saturday.
Bayless went on to hail Messi’s performance as a “GOAT Showcase” in a follow-up tweet. In his final post to honor the legendary soccer star, Bayless said Messi was even bigger than “Taylor Swift.”
Meanwhile, Trae Young was among the notable players to react to Messi’s performance as the Washington Wizards star hailed Messi as the “GOAT.”
“🐐Messi,” Young wrote on X.
Jalen Brunson was taught to be a lefty, another reason why a comparison to Lionel Messi makes more sense
Jalen Brunson wasn’t naturally born a left-hander. According to an old resurfaced report from New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy, Brunson said he was taught to work with his off-hand by his father and Knicks assistant Rick Brunson to help him gain an advantage at the highest level.
“There’s not a lot of lefties,” Jalen Brunson said. “So I guess everything is the opposite for defenders. I just think it’s a little unorthodox.”
Brunson being left-handed only adds to his comparison to Messi, as the soccer legend is also dominant with his left leg. The rarity of lefties in sports makes it difficult for their opponents to adjust. Brunson and Messi are as good as anyone, making it even tougher with limited physical advantages.
Read more:
- Luka Doncic Reveals Message He Sent Jalen Brunson After Historic Knicks Title
- Warriors Insider Makes Damning Claim About Steph Curry’s Title Chances
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
