Football fans around the world are once again talking about Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain delivered another unforgettable World Cup moment by scoring a hat-trick in 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions Argentina opened their campaign in style against Algeria.
The performance was more than just three goals — it was another chapter in football history.
Messi’s hat-trick was his first ever at a FIFA World Cup, and it took his total World Cup goals tally to 16, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in men’s World Cup history.
At 38, Messi also added more records to an already unmatched résumé. Reports highlighted that this was his record sixth World Cup appearance, and he became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.
Online, reactions have been explosive.
Fans described the performance as “Messi things” and many joked that football’s greatest moments somehow always find him. Supporters praised not only the goals but also the emotion of the occasion, with cameras capturing Argentina players and fans celebrating another historic night from their captain.
After the match, Messi reportedly called it a “beautiful moment” and said he was happy to share it with his family, teammates and supporters. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he is running out of words to describe what Messi continues to do on the biggest stage.
With matches still to come in Group J, fans are already asking one question: is Messi about to leave this World Cup as the outright leading scorer in tournament history?
