Before the 2026 World Cup began, many people doubted whether the 38-year-old Lionel Messi would be able to perform at a level that the fans have come to expect from him. Some even said that he should step away and let Argentina’s new generation lead the country in the tournament. In only one match, he proved the doubters wrong as he scored a hat trick that tied him for the title of number one FIFA World Cup goalscorer.
Three goals were scored during the game, and all of them belonged to Messi. The first time he put a ball in the back of Algeria’s net was less than ten minutes into the game and did not change the score, as it was determined that the Argentinian had been offside. Moments later, Algeria managed to get the ball past Emiliano Martínez, only for their goal to also be disallowed.
Messi corrected his mistake in the 17th minute, scoring a spectacular goal from outside the penalty box. This was his only contribution to the score during the first half, but after a fifteen-minute break, he came back ready to continue what he had started. In the 60th minute, Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane saved an attempt from one of his Argentinian opponents, but the ball deflected right underneath Messi’s feet. He immediately shot it towards the net, putting his team in a two-goal lead.
Messi scored his third and final goal in the 76th minute, becoming the oldest player to score a hat trick at the World Cup. He was soon subbed off, and the stadium chanted his name as he walked towards the bench after a performance that is sure to go down in history.
As great as the match was for Messi, it did not go by without its controversies. In the 30th minute of the game, trying to press, the Argentinian tripped Aissa Mendi from behind. During the challenge, he kicked the player directly in the calf. A free kick was quickly awarded to Algeria, but some viewers believe that the punishment was not fitting for the crime. They claimed that the attack was worthy of a red card. Had Messi been taken off the field, he would not have been able to score his hat trick and would have been forced to miss Argentina’s upcoming game.
Opinions were split even among the pundits talking about the game. ESPN’s Ale Moreno was appalled by the fact that Messi was allowed to stay on the field:
“It’s 100 percent a red card for Lionel Messi. Should have been. It plays along this narrative that great players get preferential treatment.”
At the same time, Thierry Henry stated:
“I’ve seen a lot of people say it should have been a red card, but for me, intent is very important when properly analyzing these situations. Watching it again, it’s clear that Messi is focused on the ball and trying to make a play, with no intention of hurting anyone. Yes, there is contact. Yes, it looks bad. But not every hard challenge is a red card.
The reigning world champions have always been seen as strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup title. In recent months, their position seemed to be overshadowed by representations such as France or Spain. The first game, especially because of Messi’s performance, did shift the perception.
Argentina looked coherent and communicated on the field in a way that let them create situations even when Algeria was the team with significantly higher possession. If they continue in the direction they are heading, and do not lose sight of the goal at the end of the road, they might walk away from the tournament with another trophy added to their collection.
Although the whole Argentinian team looked great, ultimately it was Messi who became the star of the evening. He had a start to the World Cup that other players can only dream of, and now, it remains to be sean whether he is able to keep the momentum going.
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