Swedish center Viggo Bjorck, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, has drawn comparisons to soccer star Lionel Messi for a skillful play in junior hockey.
In January during a game at the U20 World Junior Championship, Bjorck controlled the puck with his foot before setting up a goal for teammate Anton Frondell. An SVT expert called the move an “NHL class Messi reception.”
Bjorck downplayed the comparison. He said he sometimes uses his foot because he is left footed. When asked about it, he replied that no one is like Messi and added that Messi is clearly the best player of all time.
The NHL recently highlighted Bjorck ahead of the draft, noting that he knows plenty of details about Messi. The 17 year old from Djurgarden has impressed in Sweden’s top league and is seen as one of the more skilled players in this year’s draft class.