International press compares Messi to 'Savior'

Famous sports newspapers all gave a prominent position to the Argentine star, after his hat-trick against Ecuador in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

"Genius", "Savior", "Hero"... are the beautiful words that the international press gave to Lionel Messi after scoring three goals to help the Argentina team win 3-1 on Ecuador's field and get a ticket straight to the 2018 World Cup finals.

Two Brazilian newspapers hailed Messi as "The Savior".

In Argentina, Ole newspaper went crazy over Messi's performance. They used many comparisons and slangs to praise Messi such as: "The inspiration named Messi" or "Messi - the one who heals the cracks".

In Spain, where the 1987-born superstar is playing, AS newspaper headlined: "Messi puts Argentina on his shoulders and carries them to the World Cup". El Mundo Deportivo wrote: "Superman Messi takes Argentina to the World Cup". AS and Diario Sport both compared: "Messi carries the world" when posting videos and articles related to the Barca striker.

"Messi throws Argentina on his shoulders and carries them to the World Cup" - impressive headline of AS.

A Bola (Portugal) wrote: "Messi's hat-trick takes Argentina to Russia". Notably, in Brazil, a country always considered Argentina's rival in South America, Lance and Globoesporte both used the word "Messianico", implying that Messi is the Messiah.

In the UK, the Mail Online headlined: "When things go wrong, call Messi. Superstar rescues a confused Argentina with 44th hat-trick, clinches World Cup spot". The Sun wrote: "Saviour Messi fires Argentina to World Cup with incredible hat-trick". The Mirror commented: "Messi opens new chapter in great career after superb performance in Argentina-Ecuador match".

The October 11 print editions also gave Messi the biggest front page spot. Online, a series of memes praising the 30-year-old star’s performance appeared. Messi’s face was even superimposed onto a picture of God.

Messi is considered the savior of the entire Argentine nation.

He carried the entire Argentina team on his back alone.

Playing only 10 out of 18 matches in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Messi was involved in over 47% of Argentina's goals (scoring 7 and assisting 2).

Humorous parody of Messi's job (left) in the Argentina national team, and the rest (right).

According to VNE