In the opening match of Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 38-year-old Lionel Messi delivered another historic performance. Facing Algeria national football team, Messi scored a hat-trick, the first World Cup hat-trick of his career, leading Argentina national football team to a 3–0 victory.
With those three goals, Messi's World Cup tally reached 16 goals, drawing level with the all-time tournament scoring record held by Miroslav Klose. At 38 years old, he also surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo to become the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick.
The performance immediately became one of the major talking points of the tournament. Media outlets and fans around the world praised Messi's extraordinary longevity and continued dominance on football's biggest stage. By matching the World Cup scoring record and extending several other historical milestones, Messi further strengthened his claim as the greatest player of all time, while intensifying the ongoing comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo in the debate over football's ultimate legacy.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 53 YEARS, THE KNICKS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS 🏆
New York defeats San Antonio 4-1 in the NBA Finals, capturing their third championship in franchise history!