Lionel Messi’s benefit: hat-trick and absolute records at the start of the 2026 World Cup

The football world is hotly discussing the incredible start of the Argentine national team at the 2026 World Cup. In the first match of the group stage (Group J), the reigning champions confidently defeated the Algerian national team 3:0 , and the main hero of the match was 38-year-old captain Lionel Messi , who scored his first career hat-trick in the World Cup.

The match at the Kansas City Stadium became historic for Leo for several reasons, raising a wave of discussion in the media and social networks.

Main topics of discussion and Messi’s historical achievements

Has Miroslav Klose’s record been broken? Almost. Thanks to three goals (in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes), Messi has caught up with legendary German striker Miroslav Klose. They now share the title of the best scorer in the history of the World Cup – both have 16 goals on their account . The next goal will make Leo the absolute record holder.

A unique milestone of 200 appearances: The match against Algeria marked Messi’s 200th official appearance for the Argentine national team, making him only the third player in men’s football history to reach this milestone (after Cristiano Ronaldo and Bader Al-Mutawa).

Six World Cups: Leo officially became the first outfield player in history to play in six different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).

Tears after the goal: Fans and journalists were moved by Messi’s emotional reaction. After the first goal scored, the captain could not hold back his tears. In a post-match comment to Fabrizio Romano, the footballer noted that these emotions were not related to football, as the last few days before the game were psychologically difficult for him due to personal reasons.

In addition, according to Opta analysts, Messi equaled Brazilian Rivelino’s record for the number of goals scored from outside the penalty area at the World Cup and became the oldest hat-trick scorer in the tournament’s history.

Expert Opinions: Timeless Greatness

Guillem Balague, football expert and biographer:

“We look at a 38-year-old player who plays in MLS, but when he puts on the Albiceleste, time stops. A hat-trick in the first round of the 2026 World Cup is not just a sporting achievement, it is a declaration of intent. Messi did not come to the United States to finish the game, he came to defend the title. The way he leads the game and shoots from distance proves that his football intelligence compensates for any loss in speed.”

Fabrizio Romano, insider:

“Everyone is talking about his tears. It shows the enormous pressure Messi is under, even after winning absolutely everything in football. The fact that he remains a man with emotions, despite his demigod status in Argentina, makes him even closer to the fans. His focus in the tournament is maximum.”

What’s next for Argentina: Match schedule

Thanks to the convincing victory, Argentina topped Group J. The Albiceleste will play their next matches according to the following schedule (times adapted to local time):

Recommendation for fans: the next match against Austria will be key for an early exit to the playoffs, and it is there that Messi will have the chance to single-handedly lead the list of top scorers in World Cup history.