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Gilbert Arenas becomes Lionel Messi fan after World Cup hat-trick

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 10:32 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Gilbert Arenas becomes Lionel Messi fan after World Cup hat-trick

Summary

Gilbert Arenas has shown newfound interest in football following Lionel Messi's hat-trick performance in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria. In a video posted on X, Arenas' wife, Melli Monaco, captured his reaction while he wore an Argentina jersey. She explained the significance of a hat-trick in basketball terms, using Kobe Bryant's 81-point game as a comparison. Arenas confirmed he even researched the term before expressing his admiration for Messi's achievement. This development highlights how Messi's performance is resonating beyond traditional football audiences.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Gilbert Arenas praises Messi after Argentina's World Cup opener.
•Arenas wears an Argentina jersey during a video shared on X.
•His wife explains hat-trick significance using basketball comparisons.
•Arenas confirmed he researched the term before accepting Messi's greatness.
•Messi's performance may influence more American athletes to follow football.

Latest Updates

10:32 AMYahoo Sports — Gilbert Arenas had one-word response as Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick converted him into a fan

What they're saying

"
Gilbert Arenas has never shown much interest in football – until now. Lionel Messi’s latest World Cup performance seems to have changed that.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

NBA Basketball