Any doubts surrounding Lionel Messi’s return to the FIFA World Cup disappeared in spectacular fashion on Tuesday.
At nearly 39 years old, the Argentine legend produced a masterclass performance, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria to begin the defense of their World Cup title.
The match, played before nearly 70,000 fans at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, instantly became one of the tournament’s defining moments and further cemented Messi’s legacy among the greatest players in football history.
Messi Makes World Cup History
Before the tournament began, questions surrounded Messi’s decision to play in another World Cup after leading Argentina to glory four years ago.
Critics wondered whether age had finally caught up with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Others questioned whether he could still perform at the highest level against the world’s best competition.
Messi answered every question with three goals.
The hat-trick marked the first World Cup hat-trick of his legendary career and moved him into a tie with German striker Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals.
Even more remarkably, the performance came exactly 20 years after Messi scored his first World Cup goal.
Golden Boot Race Already Taking Shape
Messi’s stunning display immediately placed him at the center of what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Golden Boot races in recent memory.
The Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament’s top goal scorer, and several elite forwards have already made strong statements in the opening matches.
Kylian Mbappé Keeps Pace
French superstar Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal.
The goals moved Mbappé to 14 career World Cup goals, surpassing Brazilian legend Pelé and placing him among the most prolific scorers in tournament history.
Erling Haaland Starts Strong
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland also found the net twice in Norway’s convincing 4-1 win over Iraq.
Known for his relentless scoring ability at club level, Haaland appears ready to bring that same form to the international stage.
Other Early Standouts
Several other players have already made their presence felt in the tournament:
- Folarin Balogun (United States) – 2 goals
- Elijah Just (New Zealand) – 2 goals
- Kai Havertz (Germany) – 2 goals
With the group stage still in its early days, the competition for the tournament’s top scorer award remains wide open.
More Stars Yet to Make Their Move
The World Cup’s biggest names are still entering the competition.
Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal in its opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. At 41 years old, questions remain about how much playing time he will receive, but few would bet against one of football’s most prolific scorers.
Meanwhile, England captain Harry Kane and Croatian legend Luka Modrić are preparing for a highly anticipated Group L showdown.
A Tournament Built for Records
The opening days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already delivered goals, drama and history.
Messi’s record-tying performance has set the tone for what could become one of the highest-scoring tournaments ever played. With world-class attackers such as Mbappé, Haaland, Ronaldo and Kane all chasing individual glory while pursuing a World Cup title, fans can expect plenty more memorable moments in the weeks ahead.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Messi — a player who continues to redefine what is possible, even after two decades at the top of world football.
