Nestory Irankunda Draws Inspiration from Messi and Cahill in Historic World Cup Debut

Nestory Irankunda, a rising star in Australian football, has credited Lionel Messi and Tim Cahill as major influences on his playing style. In a remarkable debut at the FIFA World Cup, he scored within 30 minutes, becoming the youngest Socceroo to achieve this feat. Irankunda's admiration for Messi's agility and Cahill's dedication reflects his aspirations to follow in their footsteps. His goal against Turkiye not only marked a personal milestone but also showcased his potential on the international stage. Discover more about Irankunda's journey and inspirations in this article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 20:34 IST

Influences on Irankunda's Playing Style

Nestory Irankunda has acknowledged football legend Lionel Messi as a significant influence on his playing style, citing the Argentine's agility and strength as key elements he aspires to emulate. Additionally, he expressed admiration for Tim Cahill, calling him his primary role model and highlighting a particular goal against Turkey as a source of immense personal pride.

Cahill's Legacy

Tim Cahill made history by being the first player to represent his national team in four FIFA World Cup tournaments, achieving this milestone in 2018. Although he has retired, the 46-year-old continues to inspire many young athletes in Australia who are striving to make their mark in football.

Historic World Cup Debut

Irankunda made a remarkable impact during his FIFA World Cup debut, scoring within just 30 minutes. Demonstrating his exceptional speed, the 20-year-old capitalized on a long pass, outpaced a defender, and scored decisively, contributing to Australia's 2-0 win over Turkiye. This achievement made him the youngest Socceroo to score in a FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his international journey.

Aspirations Inspired by Legends

"No one can replicate Messi's style, but I strive to incorporate elements of his game into my own," Irankunda stated, as reported by Olympics.com. "Cahill is my greatest inspiration. I aspire to follow in his footsteps. Scoring against Turkiye fills me with pride. Cahill played with immense passion and dedication for his country, evident in the numerous goals he scored for the national team," he added.