By Daniel Akinte
Lionel Messi once again etched his name into football history with a stunning hat-trick as Argentina began their World Cup title defence in style against Algeria.
The 38-year-old produced a vintage display, scoring all three goals in Argentina‘s 3-0 victory to guide the reigning champions to a perfect start in Group J.
It was a night filled with milestones for the Argentine captain.
Messi’s hat-trick took his overall World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
One of his three goals came from outside the penalty area, making it the fifth long-range strike of his World Cup career.
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That achievement sees Messi equal Brazilian legend Rivellino for the most goals scored from outside the box at the tournament since 1966.
The Argentine icon also became the oldest player ever to score multiple goals in a World Cup match.
At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi surpassed the previous record held by Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who was 38 years and 34 days old when he achieved the feat at the 1990 World Cup.
For a player who has already won the World Cup, lifted countless trophies and broken numerous records, Messi somehow continues to find new ways to make history.
His latest masterpiece not only delivered three points for Argentina but also reinforced his status as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
As Argentina chase a second consecutive World Cup crown, Messi has already ensured that the 2026 tournament will be remembered as another chapter in his extraordinary legacy.