Lionel Messi delivered a magical performance in his World Cup opener, netting a hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria on June 11 in Kansas City, Missouri. The 38-year-old became the joint-highest scorer in men’s World Cup history with 16 goals, matching Germany’s Miroslav Klose. His first goal came in the 17th minute, and the second in the 52nd minute, with the third and final strike sealing the win in the 77th minute. The match marked Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina, a historic milestone in itself.

Historic Achievement and Emotional Night

Messi’s hat-trick was the first of his career at the World Cup and made him the oldest player ever to score three goals in a single match at 38 years and 11 months. His first goal was particularly emotional. After receiving a quick free-kick from Rodrigo De Paul, Messi surged forward and struck a powerful long-range effort that grazed the fingertips of Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zinade before flying into the top corner. Messi later admitted he was overcome with emotion during the match: “Me pone muy feliz haber vivido todo lo que me tocó, but Lo que me está tocando vivir ahora es de yapa (añadido). Estoy muy feliz y agradecido con este grupo hermoso, lo disfruto mucho.”

A New Chapter in World Cup History

Messi’s performance was not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment in World Cup history; he became the first and only player to participate in six World Cups, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa, who have played in five. The victory also marked the first for a South American team in the expanded 48-team tournament. Argentina now sits at the top of Group J, ahead of its next match against Austria and Jordan in San Francisco. The Arrowhead Stadium, often dubbed the loudest in the world, was electric throughout the match, with fans singing the national anthem at full volume before kickoff.

A Record-Breaking Night

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the performance as rare: “I have no words. Whatever I say is unnecessary, it’s incredible. He’s been doing it for 20 years. Beyond the result, people have to enjoy him because what he gives to the world is incredible.” Messi also became the second-oldest Argentine to play at a World Cup behind only Labruna, who played at 39 in 1958. With his third goal, he also surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo (33 in 2018) and Rensenbrink (30 in 1978) to become the oldest hat-trick scorer in World Cup history. Messi now has the most appearances at World Cups (27) and is one of only two players, alongside Ronaldo, to score in five different World Cups.

Messi’s performance was particularly significant given the context of his career. This is likely to be his final World Cup campaign, a stage free from the pressures and traumas that marked his previous tournament in Qatar. The victory marked a clean slate for Argentina, with Messi at the center of a team many believe is on the verge of securing a second World Cup title.