(Benko theory) Is 7.Nc3 much worse than 7.Bxa6? Why?

The engine says Nc3 is fine, but GMs seem to play 7.Bxa6 almost exclusively, and in the lichess database Nc3 scores pretty badly. In my game it worked out well though. Is Bxa6 a better move?

You lose a tempo because Knight must retreat, while black happily develops the queen ( I think).

Hm I don't know if black queen is so happy on a5

@ShiningDrongo said in #3:
> Hm I don't know if black queen is so happy on a5

It's better than sitting on d8.

Nxa6 Nc7 could be a big idea after Bxa6 pressurizing the d pawn. @ShiningDrongo

The sample is too small (both in quantity and quality) to draw a clear conclusion upon 7. Nc3.