American Euro 2024 pundit suggests 'next Lionel Messi' in one of 'worst takes in history'

Fox Sports analyst Carli Lloyd has been mercilessly mocked on social media for daring to include Christian Pulisic in a conversation about the “next Lionel Messi”. As the Copa America kicked off alongside Euro 2024 in Germany, the former US and Houston Dash star was part of the Fox broadcast for Thursday’s match between Argentina and Canada.

The former triumphed in their opening Group A encounter with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealing a 2-0 victory, but it was Lloyd’s audacious punditry that left viewers gobsmacked. During the coverage, the 41-year-old said: “There’s nobody like Messi and I don’t think there ever will be somebody like Messi. It’s a generational talent. It’s like Maradona.”

She then proceeded to name other footballing greats who are seen as rivals to Messi’s throne, reports the Daily Star. She continued: “And then Messi has just had that crown. But there’s other players; Jude Bellingham, you know, Pulisic’s coming up.”

This comment set social media ablaze, with users around the globe eager to weigh in on Lloyd’s controversial opinion. One viewer reacted to a clip titled “this might just be one of the worst football take in history”.

They posted: “26-year-old Pulisic is just coming up to challenge Messi you heard it there first. Another added with biting sarcasm: “Haha good old Christian P and forgetting Cristiano R!”

Meanwhile, a third exclaimed: “What is this crime I’ve just witnessed?” A fourth quipped with a laughing emoji: “No way she’s gonna casually slip in Pulisic in a conversation with Messi and Maradona.”

While another commenter insisted: “Do not take football opinions from this continent seriously.” However, some came to Pulisic’s defence in the debate – with one arguing: “It’s the USA. It’s all showbiz and we’re selling our players to the world.”

And a second suggested: “It’s not the worst I’ve heard.” Pulisic has carved out a respectable career for himself at 26, though he’s far from reaching the heights of Messi.

While the US star man boasts a Champions League trophy with Chelsea and a DFB Pokal cup with Borussia Dortmund, the achievements pale in comparison to Messi’s staggering tally of 843 goals for club and country, his 10 La Liga crowns, seven Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana titles, four Champions League triumphs, 8 Ballon d’Or awards, a Copa America and the World Cup glory of 2022.