Lionel Messi He still got it. Even as he approaches 39, he has reached that goal World Cup With a point to prove. the Argentina A captain shows every player and every team that he remains among the best in the game. His performance indicates that he is not ready to step down, and he seems determined to lead Argentina’s title defense campaign from the front. Despite all the talk about a new generation taking over, Messi makes it clear that ousting him will not be easy, even at this stage of his brilliant career.
It hasn’t been easy being Messi ahead of the 2021 Copa America. For years, he has faced criticism for failing to win any major trophy with Argentina despite building one of the greatest club careers football has ever seen. Barcelona. But this narrative finally changed in Brazil when Argentina lifted the cup America’s Cup Messi won the international title that many believe he deserves. From that moment on, the connection between Messi and the national team seemed stronger than ever. Argentina played for their captain, fighting for every ball and doing everything they could to help him succeed, while Messi responded by leading from the front.
He arrived at the 2022 World Cup with huge expectations and delivered a stunning performance, leading Argentina to the title while producing decisive performances throughout the tournament. Many expected him to walk away from international football after finally completing the sport by winning the World Cup, but Messi had other ideas.
His move to MLS after leaving Paris Saint-Germain has led to questions about whether he can still perform at the highest level and remain Argentina’s main man. However, when the 2026 World Cup began, those doubts were quickly silenced. Despite entering the tournament having recovered from a hamstring injury, Messi looked strong, fit and in complete control. In Argentina’s opener, he reminded everyone why he remains the heart of the world champions and why writing him off was always a dangerous mistake.
Messi thought he had opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he dribbled past Algeria goalkeeper Enzo Zidane and scored into the net, but the offside flag cut short the celebrations. It didn’t do much to slow him down. The Argentine captain continued to trouble the Algerian defense with his movement, precise control, and ability to find space. His reward came in the 17th minute when he fired a thunderous shot from outside the penalty area. Enzo controlled the ball, but the force behind the effort was simply too great as the ball flew into the net. It was a goal of the highest quality, and the entire stadium rose to applaud. As thousands celebrated around him, Messi was seen with tears in his eyes, reflecting on what that moment meant on the opening night of his sixth World Cup.
Even after the deadlock was broken, he showed the same hunger that has defined his career. He dropped back, pressured opponents and remained heavily involved. At the same time, he could be seen walking between phases of play, scanning the pitch and studying the defenders’ movements. This has drawn criticism in the past, but over the years, many have come to realize that this is part of how he reads the game and identifies spaces that others fail to notice.
Argentina led 1-0 at half-time, and with Algeria performing well in the first half, there was still a feeling that the contest was still alive. Messi ended those hopes after the start of the second half. In the 60th minute, he reacted quickest after Enzo parried Alexis McAllister’s shot, converting the rebound and doubling Argentina’s lead.
But it wasn’t done. With history on the horizon, Messi sought to achieve something he had never achieved before in a World Cup. In the 76th minute, he completed his first World Cup hat-trick with a stunning left-footed shot that went past the goalkeeper and into the far corner – Messi’s signature goal that capped another memorable night.
Lionel Messi is now the top scorer in World Cup history
With this hat-trick, Messi raised his tally to 16 goals in the World Cup, equaling the number of the great German Miroslav Klose as the best scorer in the history of the tournament. It was also the first World Cup hat-trick of his career, adding another milestone to his CV full of records and achievements. The Argentina captain also became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup, surpassing 33-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, which he set when he scored three goals against Spain in 2018.
What Messi produced in Kansas City was more than just a great individual display. It was a statement from both player and defending champion. Argentina arrived at the tournament determined to retain its title, and its captain made it clear that it would not give it up easily. At 38 years old, Messi looked as influential and decisive as ever, controlling the game and providing assistance when his team needed him most.
His performances were admired throughout the football world. Even Erling Haaland, who scored a brace for Norway in their win over Iraq on the same day, took time to greet the Argentine star. Haaland described Messi on social media as “crazy,” referring to the impressive standards he continues to maintain at an age when most players have long since moved away from the spotlight.
The message is clear: Lionel Messi still rules the game!
