Muller was once Messi's worst nightmare at the World Cup, yet he now holds an immense level of admiration for the Argentinian. That respect has only grown as Messi has delivered one spectacular performance after another in the tournament's early days.
Messi's 2026 World Cup Run
Messi did it again on the world's biggest stage. After a hat trick in Argentina's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he scored a brace against Austria in his second game. That leaves him with five goals through two matches and alone at the top of the goalscoring leaderboard for now.
What has stood out alongside the goals and wins has been the praise pouring in from those watching the World Cup. Journalists and soccer legends alike have struggled to comprehend what Messi is doing while nearing 39 years old. One of his former top rivals, Thomas Muller might be the most intriguing person delivering that praise.
Muller called Messi the GOAT after his hat trick against Algeria. He was floored by Messi once again this week while praising the Argentinian. Muller admitted that something changed along the way in his viewpoint not only of Messi, but Cristiano Ronaldo as well. Muller used to be Team Ronaldo, but he says there is no more doubt that he is Team Messi now.
Muller on Messi vs Ronaldo
Thomas Muller explained why he now prefers Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo and how his thinking on both players evolved over time.
In the past - during the first ten years of both their careers - I was Team Cristiano, because I found his ambition, work ethic, and obsession with success to be the most impressive aspects. But now I am Team Messi... he brings more magic and beauty to the game. He combines efficiency with something more; he is a genius in every sense of the word. When the ball is at his feet, something special always happens.
Muller and Messi at the World Cup
Muller was once Messi's boogeyman at the international level. Muller's Germany team knocked Messi's Argentina out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the quarterfinals, then edged Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. Muller scored in that 2010 game and played the entire 2014 final.
The level of respect Muller has for Messi is striking, and he is not the only former rival of Messi's to think similarly.
