Lionel Messi's artificial intelligence-like display impresses Oliseh after stunning World Cup treble

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A former Super Eagles manager, Sunday Oliseh, has described Lionel Messi’s display in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener as superhuman, declaring that the 38-year-old has become a footballing “AI” version of himself.

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Messi delivered a masterclass as Argentina began the defence of their title with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, scoring all three goals in a match played just days before his 39th birthday.

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The hat-trick also saw him equal German legend Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

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Speaking on Global Football Insights with Oliseh on Wednesday, the former Super Eagles captain said Messi’s ability to dominate at the highest level at his age is unprecedented.

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“This is Lionel Messi AI. There is no other way to describe this. Never in the history of football has a 38-year-old man performed as Messi did yesterday.

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“Not only did he score three goals in an opening match, but the manner in which he scored them is remarkable,” Oliseh said.

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The former Ajax midfielder added that Messi’s brilliance reminded him of a nickname given to the Argentine by a childhood friend, but said his recent performances now warrant a new description.

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“A childhood friend of mine has consistently referred to Messi as the oracle for the past 15 years. Based on what I observed yesterday, I will now refer to him as Lionel Messi AI. It is not solely due to his three goals, but rather the manner in which he achieved them.

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“Now, you know I have a passion for shooting. The way he struck the ball for the third goal, the precision, the movement. And Messi does not merely score tap-in goals; he certainly walks. But consider it this way,” he said.

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