On a day packed with football’s biggest stars, Lionel Messi still managed to steal the spotlight.
Earlier, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland had both thrilled fans with two-goal performances, setting the tone for what was already shaping up to be a memorable day. Yet when Messi stepped onto the pitch, it became clear that this wasn’t just another appearance. This was the main event.
The Argentine legend delivered a performance for the ages, scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, matching the all-time World Cup scoring record with his 16th goal, and proving once again that age has done little to diminish his brilliance.
Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria belonged to Messi from start to finish.
As the sun set over Kansas City, the 38-year-old made history by becoming the first footballer ever to play in six World Cups. Remarkably, exactly 20 years after making his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old in Germany, Messi looked every bit as sharp, influential, and decisive as he did in his younger years.
There was a brief moment of concern midway through the first half when Messi’s studs caught the heel of Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi. No action was taken, and Messi quickly moved on, making the most of the opportunity to continue what would become a memorable night.
Speaking after the match, Messi reflected on the occasion with gratitude.
“To share moments like this with my family, my teammates, and everyone who has always supported me is truly special,” he said.
“We are a united group and a strong team. Winning the first match is always important, especially when it’s a difficult one. I’m also grateful to our fans. Once again, they showed how passionate Argentina is about football. They filled the stadium and supported us from start to finish.”
He added, “Everything I’m experiencing now feels like a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams, and even more than I ever imagined, both professionally and personally.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was equally full of praise.
“I don’t have the words to describe Messi,” he said. “For two decades he has been doing extraordinary things, and he continues to inspire everyone who watches him.”
The signs were there from the very beginning.
Just four minutes into the match, Messi thought he had opened the scoring after racing through and beating goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The offside flag denied him, but the reaction inside the stadium suggested everyone knew it was only a matter of time.
That moment arrived in the 18th minute.
Receiving the ball 25 yards from goal, Messi shifted onto his trusted left foot and curled a stunning strike toward the top corner. Zidane, the son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, managed to get both hands on the ball, but the shot carried too much power.
The stadium erupted.
As Argentina supporters celebrated wildly, an emotional Messi soaked in the moment. It was his 14th World Cup goal and the beginning of a historic evening.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman summed it up perfectly.
“Messi celebrated as if it was his very first World Cup goal,” he said. “With all his talent, he somehow never seems to age. It’s a brilliant finish, exactly what you’d expect from him.”
Twenty years after his first World Cup appearance and now playing in a record 27th tournament match, Messi continues to defy expectations. Throughout the game, he was constantly scanning the field, reading situations before they developed, and creating danger whenever he touched the ball.
His second goal arrived just after the hour mark.
A costly mistake from Zidane gifted possession to Argentina, and Messi, with his trademark calmness, made no mistake. He rolled the ball into the net and moved within touching distance of football immortality. In doing so, he also became the oldest player ever to score twice in a World Cup match.
The numbers only underline his remarkable longevity. Since turning 35, Messi has scored 10 World Cup goals — more than Harry Kane, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Thierry Henry managed individually across their entire World Cup careers.
Then came the moment everyone wanted.
In the 76th minute, substitute Nico González provided the assist, and Messi completed his hat-trick. It felt inevitable, almost scripted.
With that goal, he drew level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart.
As thousands of Argentina supporters sang his name, Messi stood with his arms raised and eyes fixed on the sky, taking in a moment that seemed to mean even more than usual. Even for a player who has won everything, this felt special.
When he was substituted late in the match, the entire stadium rose to its feet. The applause was deafening. Chants of “Messi” echoed around Kansas City as he left the pitch.
Long after the final whistle, Argentina fans remained in the stands, unwilling to let the night end.
The stadium became a sea of blue and white. Drums echoed through the concourses, songs rang out from every corner, and celebrations continued well into the evening.
Many supporters wore shirts bearing Messi’s name. Others proudly displayed tattoos of the man who has become a symbol of national pride.
To them, Messi is far more than a footballer. He is a hero, an idol, and a source of inspiration.
Having led Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago, few would bet against him guiding his country on another unforgettable journey.
Even Patrick Mahomes, the usual star attraction in Kansas City, watched on in admiration, captivated by the magic unfolding before him.
On a day filled with world-class talent, one player stood above the rest.
Once again, Lionel Messi reminded the world why he remains football’s greatest showman.
