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Dan Patrick faces backlash for Messi-Manning career comparison

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 7:16 AM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Dan Patrick faces backlash for Messi-Manning career comparison

Summary

Dan Patrick sparked outrage among soccer fans by comparing Lionel Messi's career to Eli Manning's during his show on June 18, 2026. The discussion arose as Messi had just scored a hat trick against Algeria, bringing his World Cup goal tally to 16. Fans criticized the juxtaposition, arguing it undervalues Messi's achievements, which include multiple World Cups and Ballon d'Or awards. Patrick's social media question asking followers to choose between the two careers was met with accusations of inappropriateness, with numerous fans expressing outrage over the comparison. The debate highlighted the perceived disparity in their respective legacies in sport.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Dan Patrick compared Lionel Messi to Eli Manning on his show.
•Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria, raising his World Cup total to 16.
•Fans overwhelmingly rejected the comparison as unfair and inappropriate.
•The debate emphasizes Messi's status as a defining athlete in sports history.
•Patrick's question on social media received significant backlash from soccer fans.

Latest Updates

7:16 AMYahoo Sports — Soccer fans blast Dan Patrick for comparing Lionel Messi’s career to NFL legend Eli Manning

What they're saying

"
Dan Patrick tried to turn Lionel Messi and Eli Manning into a career debate, but soccer fans were not willing to treat the comparison as a serious one. The question came during a World Cup week in which Messi had just reminded viewers why his career is viewed on a completely different scale.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Champions League Soccer