Lionel Messi Scores Hat-Trick in Argentina's World Cup Opener, Equals Scoring Record
Lionel Messi marked his 200th appearance for Argentina with a commanding hat-trick in their 3-0 World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria, equaling Miroslav Klose's record as the joint-highest World Cup scorer. Praised by football figures like Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Erling Haaland, Messi demonstrated enduring skill and leadership. Ahead of the tournament, he drew inspiration from a Rafael Nadal documentary, reflecting his competitive spirit and commitment to perform at a high level despite his age.