Football/Soccer 3 Hours

Last updated: June 17, 2026, 2:40 AM ET

World Cup Heroes

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass in Argentina's World Cup opener, scoring a hat trick that secured a 3-0 victory over Algeria and tied Miroslav Klose's record with his 16th World Cup goal. Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted being at a loss for words to describe Messi's brilliance after the performance, which reminded everyone why he remains football's preeminent talent. While both Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland excelled on the same day, Messi's clinical display topped the billing among the sport's biggest stars.

Historical Context

The hat trick performance placed Messi among an elite group of World Cup scorers, though the article examining who else has achieved this feat was cut short. His three goals against Algeria extended his legacy in the competition, proving that despite the emergence of younger talents like Mbappé and Haaland, the Argentine captain still sets the standard. The win gave Argentina crucial early momentum in the tournament while Messi continued his record chase alongside Klose.

Tournament Outlook

With Argentina's victory anchored by Messi's brilliance, the South American giants positioned themselves well in Group C. Meanwhile, both Mbappé and Haaland showcased their talents in their respective matches, suggesting this World Cup will feature continued battles between established legends and rising stars. Scaloni's praise reflected the magnitude of Messi's achievement as Argentina's campaign began with a statement win that silenced questions about age and form.