“This is a kid that’s on the rise,” remarked USWNT icon Julie Foudy while reacting to Ally Sentnor’s spectacular goal against Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup in what was her first start for the senior team. Months later, the admiration hasn’t faded. This time, the Utah Royals star has drawn comparisons to none other than Lionel Messi, courtesy of another veteran, Tobin Heath.

Well, this is also due to the impeccable form that Sentnor continues to showcase. Sure, her one goal and assist in over seven NWSL matches barely justify this take for a moment. But this is more than just about making her name on the scoresheet. Consider removing the goals and assists factor from Messi for a moment—still magnificent right? Well, that’s exactly how Heath also sees the 21-year-old attacker.

“I think she’s phenomenal,” Tobin began while speaking on the RE—INC podcast which she co-hosts alongside her partner and another USWNT veteran, Christen Press. “Ally Sentnor is a must-watch,” added the former Manchester United star, emphasizing that the rookie had been doing things in her debut season that she hadn’t seen anyone else pull off in the league. Heath also pointed out that glimpses of Sentnor’s brilliance have already been visible with the U.S. women’s national team.

Just when one would think the former American ladies forward was done singing praises of the Utah sensation, Tobin took it a notch above, firing a compliment that not everyone gets this easily. “I’m going to say something very strong right now. I have not seen a woman’s player that has demonstrated [Lionel] Messi-like qualities,” continued Heath.

As we mentioned, not everything in the beautiful game is about scoring goals and giving jaw-dropping assists. Sometimes, there’s a need to just sit back and closely watch the difference one brings into the game. That’s exactly what Tobin Heath highlighted, underscoring Ally Sentnor’s unique movement—especially in tight pockets—and her rare balance of goals and assists. In fact, the two-time World Cup winner described these qualities as traits she “hasn’t seen in the women’s game.”

Not surprising to hear, considering how early Ally Sentnor has been making waves in her career. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft. Aside from notching 21 goals in 48 matches during her time with the University of North Carolina, the former Tar Heel star was honored with the 2023 ACC Midfielder of the Year, first-team All-ACC, and third-team All-American.

Meanwhile, on the international front, the Hanson, Massachusetts native has been representing the USA badge from the U17 setup, further playing in the U18 and U20 youth levels as well. She even captained the USYNT U-20 squad to a bronze medal in the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup before finally making her senior debut under Hayes during a stalemate against England at Wembley Stadium in November 2024. 

While this certainly justifies Tobin Heath’s praise for Ally Sentnor, one can’t help but wonder how the youngster responded to such a compliment.

Utah Royals star responds to Lionel Messi comparison

In the aftermath of the Utah Royals’ unlucky 2-0 defeat to the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, Ally Sentnor was made aware of the Lionel Messi tag that she was given by Tobin Heath. Interestingly, the sensational forward said, “I was a little bit starstruck all day yesterday, I’m not gonna lie,” as compiled by Pro Soccer Wire.

Instead, Sentnor shifted the spotlight to the USWNT icon, admitting that Tobin was a player she had looked up to for a long time. The youngster even credited the former Seattle Reign star as one of the reasons she chose to commit to the University of North Carolina—though she later signed with the Utah-based club.

“To have her say those words about me not only gives me confidence in a time where our team isn’t doing as well but just really makes me continue to fight for my dreams and my goals,” Sentnor added. But as much as the Royals star loved Heath’s magical words, she denies accepting such a status—not now, but forever.

“I will never be Messi. I have so much respect for him and I watch him all the time, so I do try to emulate some of my game off of him,” Ally said, admiring players who create excitement every time they touch the ball—those who make fans hold their breath. Then again, she does hope to bring a similar impact to the Argentinian star to the women’s game.

Perhaps that can be expected from her in the upcoming NWSL clash vs Angel City. Sadly, the Utah Royals aren’t having much of a great season, sitting at 13th place with just four points in hand [1-1-5]. Hence, one can only hope to see Ally Sentnor channel her inner Lionel Messi and turn things around accordingly.