FIFA World Cup 2026: No one can play like Messi, I try to base my game around him, says Australia's Irankunda
Vancouver, June 19
Nestory Irankunda credited Football icon Lionel Messi as a major influence, using the Argentine star's agility and strength as key inspirations for his own style of play.
Irankunda also revealed that Tim Cahill is his role model, saying he is his biggest inspiration and described his goal against Turkey as a moment of great personal pride.
Cahill became the first to play four FIFA World Cup tournaments for his national side in 2018. While long since retired, the 46-year-old remains an inspiration to many young hopefuls climbing through the ranks in Australia.
Irankunda needed less than 30 minutes on his FIFA World Cup debut to etch his name into Australian football history.
Showcasing his trademark blistering pace, the 20-year-old raced onto a long ball, surged past a defender, and finished emphatically to open the scoring in Australia's 2-0 victory over Turkiye.
The goal made Irankunda the youngest Socceroo ever to score at a FIFA World Cup, marking a memorable milestone in his international career.
"No one can play like him (Lionel Messi), but that is how I try to base my game. He is really agile and powerful, so I try to base my game around him," Irankunda said as per Olympics.com.
"Cahill was my biggest inspiration. I look up to him and want to be like him one day. I'm really, really, really proud of myself [for the] goal [against Turkiye]. Just the way [Cahill] played, he played with that hunger, and he gave his all for this country; you can see that with all the goals he scored for the nation," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm no football expert, but I love how Irankunda keeps it real. Trying to base your game around Messi is a tall order—even the best can't replicate that magic. But respecting legends like Cahill shows he has his head on straight. Hope to see him in the World Cup highlights soon!
As an Indian fan, I find this inspiring. We don't produce many world-class footballers, but stories like Irankunda's show what discipline and role models can do. But honestly, I wish our media hyped our local talents as much as they hype overseas ones. #FootballForAll 🏆
Irankunda is a breath of fresh air. Messi and Cahill are two completely different types of players, but blending their qualities? That's smart. The kid's got pace, respect for legends, and a grounded attitude. Australia might have a gem here. Good luck to him!
I find it a bit too much to say 'no one can play like Messi' and then base your game around him. Like, isn't that contradictory? But I get the admiration. Irankunda should focus on his own strengths—his pace and finishing are already world-class. Just my two cents!
This is heartwarming. Football truly unites the world—a kid from Australia inspired by an Argentine and an Aussie legend, and here we are in India celebrating his journey. I hope more players from smaller football nations get such platforms. Kudos to Irankunda! 🙌
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