Lionel Messi hailed a “beautiful moment” after scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to become the tournament’s joint all-time leading goalscorer in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on 17 June 2026.
The 38-year-old Argentina captain’s treble drew him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, etching yet another landmark into an already extraordinary career. It was also his record-breaking sixth World Cup finals appearance, a milestone no other male player has achieved.
“To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment,” Messi said after the match. “I’m happy.”
The Inter Miami forward was effusive about the supporters who have followed Argentina across North America in their thousands. “I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this. We packed the stadium again,” he said.
Messi also reflected on the significance of a winning start to Argentina’s title defence. “I feel good. We were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start with a win in the first game. The squad is a very united, very strong group,” he added.
Argentina are bidding to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup, and on this evidence, Messi’s brilliance gives them every reason for optimism as the tournament progresses.
