Messi Breaks Five Records in Argentina’s World Cup Opener
Lionel Messi’s dazzling hat-trick against Algeria not only secured Argentina’s opening victory at the FIFA World Cup but also rewrote the record books in spectacular fashion.
Just weeks shy of his 39th birthday, the captain delivered a performance that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of his career.
Messi’s first strike was vintage artistry, curling a left-footed shot from the edge of the box past Luca Zidane. His second showcased his sharp instincts, pouncing on a rebound and calmly slotting home.
The third was another classic, as he found space on the edge of the area and wrapped the ball into the bottom corner. Each goal carried significance, but together they cemented his place in football history.
The hat-trick elevated Messi to joint-top scorer in World Cup history, equalling Miroslav Klose’s tally of 16 goals. With French forward Kylian Mbappé close behind on 14, the race for the outright record promises to be one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines.
Messi also became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record set in 2018 at age 33. At 38, he demonstrated that class and precision remain undiminished by time.
Beyond the numbers, Messi’s goals highlighted his unique style. He now holds the record for the most World Cup goals scored from outside the box, with six, surpassing Brazilian legend Rivelino’s mark of five set in 1966.
His appearance against Algeria also confirmed another milestone: Messi became the first player to feature in six World Cups, spanning from his debut in 2006 to the present day. Ronaldo is expected to equal that record when Portugal begin their campaign.
Perhaps most symbolic of his enduring legacy, Messi has now become both Argentina’s youngest and oldest World Cup scorer. He first set the record in 2006 at 18 years and 357 days, and now, at 38, he has completed the circle.
