KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lionel Messi produced a record-breaking performance in Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria, scoring a hat trick and playing 80 minutes as the captain became the first player to actively participate in six FIFA World Cups, according to the match report.
Messi’s three goals also moved him level with retired Germany striker Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals (16) and tied Klose for the most tournament wins (17). “It’s an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo… But it doesn’t mean anything,” Messi said after the game.
The 38-year-old’s presence had been uncertain in the months before the tournament. Messi said in September 2025 that he was “trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself” and had not made a decision about the World Cup. He dealt with mostly minor issues before a scare on May 24 when he left Inter Miami’s final MLS match holding his left hamstring; scans showed muscle fatigue and he trained separately for weeks, missing Argentina’s friendly against Honduras and returning in the second half against Iceland.
On Tuesday night, an early Messi effort was ruled out for offside before he officially opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a left-footed shot from just outside the area. He added two more goals in the second half and finished the match with four shots on target, 37 passes and a carrying distance of 247.4 meters.
When substituted in the 80th minute, Messi received a standing ovation as the crowd chanted and bowed. Even fans wearing Algeria shirts near the press box applauded him off the field. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni called Messi “always monumental for us,” and teammate Alexis Mac Allister said, “There are no words to describe him.”
