Lionel Messi’s greatness shines with World Cup hat trick against Algeria

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Lionel Messi continues to show why he’s the bestsoccerplayer in the world.

The Argentine star led his squad to a 3-0 victory against Algeria in their first group-stage match at the2026 FIFA World Cupon Tuesday night.He delivered all three goals for his side, picking up the first World Cup hat trick of his career.

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after scoring his third goal during a soccer match in Kansas City

Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after scoring his third goal during the World Cup Group J match against Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., on June 16, 2026.(Ed Zurga/AP Photo)

The three goals moved him into a tie with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the career scoring record at the World Cup.He broke down in tears after scoring his first goal.

“My tears after the first goal?I’ve had some tough days.It wasn’t related to football.And those feelings were because of that,” Messi said after the match, without providing details.“I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.”

Messi had been battling through a hamstring injury, which has plagued him forInter Miami during theMajor League Soccer season.

However, he seemed fine in a friendly against Iceland leading up to the World Cup.

Argentina's Lionel Messi smiling during a World Cup soccer match in Kansas City

Argentina’s Lionel Messi smiles during the World Cup Group J soccer match against Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., on June 16, 2026.(Ed Zurga/AP)

“This is my sixth World Cup, and I still feel like I’m in good shape,” Messi said.“Fortunately, I’m doing well, and today we managed to win a tough match.It’s important to start the tournament with a victory in the first game, as that’s never easy in a World Cup.”

Messi’s heroics on the pitch drew a reaction from another superstar athlete – Kansas City Chiefs quarterbackPatrick Mahomes.

Mahomes posted a few goat emojis during Messi’s performance.

Messi is in his sixth World Cup, marking two decades of dominance on the field.He ledArgentina to a World Cuptitle in 2022.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrating with teammates on the soccer field.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group J match against Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., on June 16, 2026.(Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)

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“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way.What I’m living through now is the cherry on top,” Messi said.“I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group.I enjoy it so much.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.