SouthernWorldwide.com – Lionel Messi continues to demonstrate why he is considered the greatest soccer player in the world.
The Argentinean superstar spearheaded his team to a decisive 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday evening. He was responsible for all three goals scored by his side, achieving the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.
These three goals have now placed him in a tie with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the all-time scoring record in World Cup history. Messi was visibly emotional, shedding tears after scoring his first goal of the match.
“My tears after the first goal? I have experienced some difficult periods. It was not related to football. And those emotions stemmed from that,” Messi shared post-match, without elaborating on the specific reasons. “I am incredibly thankful to my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire delegation for their unwavering support.”
Messi had been contending with a hamstring injury, which had troubled him during Inter Miami’s campaign in Major League Soccer. However, he appeared to be in good physical condition during a friendly match against Iceland in the lead-up to the World Cup.
“This is my sixth World Cup, and I still feel I am in excellent physical shape,” Messi stated. “Fortunately, I am feeling well, and today we managed to secure a victory in a challenging game. It is crucial to commence the tournament with a win in the first fixture, as this is never an easy feat in a World Cup.”
Messi’s exceptional performance on the field garnered a notable reaction from another prominent athlete, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes expressed his admiration by posting several “goat” emojis during Messi’s dominant display.
Messi is participating in his sixth World Cup, marking two decades of unparalleled dominance on the soccer pitch. He famously led Argentina to win the World Cup title in 2022.
“It brings me immense joy to have experienced everything that has come my way. What I am experiencing now is truly the crowning achievement,” Messi remarked. “I am profoundly happy and deeply grateful for this exceptional group of players. I am savoring every moment.”
