Michelle Kaufman on Messi’s Magic, World Cup Favorites & USA’s Rise

Michelle Kaufman joins the show to break down all the latest from the World Cup, where the global stage continues to deliver massive star power headlined by Lionel Messi still dominating at age 39, including a hat trick in his opening match. The conversation centers on whether Messi is officially the greatest soccer player of all time, and what sets him apart beyond talent—his relentless winning mentality that mirrors other all-time greats like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams. Kaufman explains how Messi’s calm, friendly public persona contrasts with his fierce competitive edge on the field, making his dominance even more remarkable. The discussion then shifts to the tournament picture, where she highlights Argentina as a top contender despite the difficulty of repeating as World Cup champions, while also pointing to strong challenges from Germany and France. Finally, Kaufman weighs in on Team USA, noting significant improvement and saying this is the most complete and competitive American squad she has ever seen heading into the tournament