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Lionel Messi’s enduring love affair with the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to captivate. Argentina’s greatest football icon delivered yet another glittering display, scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to push his nation closer to a potential fourth title.

It’s easy to overlook the years of struggle and heartbreak that marked the Argentine legend’s journey before the ecstasy of Doha in 2022. Yet, beyond Kylian Mbappe’s explosive France and the dazzling Lamine Yamal-led Spain, Argentina’s aspiration for consecutive World Cup triumphs shone brightly in Kansas City’s night sky, where they defeated Algeria 3-0, illuminated by the brilliance of their iconic No. 10.

Messi’s hat-trick marked another milestone in World Cup history — his first treble in what is now his sixth tournament appearance. It was also the 61st hat-trick of his extraordinary career, a testament to his enduring magic. Argentina, who risked appearing stagnant since that penalty shootout victory over France in 2022, began their Group J campaign with three valuable points, thanks to their ever-enchanting talisman.

Even at 38, the former Barcelona maestro’s repertoire of skills remains as lethal as ever — particularly evident in his stunning third goal. It was also a fitting answer to his successor-in-waiting, Mbappe, who dazzled in New York as France cruised to a 3-1 win over Senegal following a dominant second half. While Mbappe may rule the pitch for now, Messi’s aura continues to command reverence. As the old saying in boxing goes: to be the champion, you must beat the champion. Football may not always promise such encounters, but a potential rematch in New Jersey on 19 July remains possible if both France and Argentina top their groups and survive the knockout rounds.

Though the next generation of Argentine stars has yet to fully emerge, Lionel Scaloni’s side remains packed with quality. Lautaro Martinez, chosen ahead of Julian Alvarez to partner Messi, offers extra attacking thrust, while Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez ranks among the most complete midfielders in the world. Argentina’s strategy, however, remains delightfully simple: feed Messi in that inside-right channel and enjoy the spectacle.

Nico Gonzalez understood his role perfectly, delivering a sharp cross that found the Inter Miami forward in stride. Messi’s delicate first touch instantly subdued the ball, and a couple of subtle adjustments set it perfectly on his left foot. Algeria sensed danger, yet the outcome felt inevitable — a composed low curler into the bottom left corner sealed the match.

Messi was substituted in the 79th minute as Scaloni seemed to playfully tease the adoring fans who had just witnessed a performance brimming with star power. A fourth World Cup title — and an outright record — must wait, but Messi’s display overshadowed two other global stars. Mbappe’s brace earlier in the day moved him to fourth on the all-time top scorers’ list at just 27, while Erling Haaland also announced himself on the grand stage, netting twice in Norway’s 3-1 win over Iraq in his own World Cup debut.

Yet before Argentina’s carnival truly began, they were made to work. Algeria briefly quietened the roaring crowd at Arrowhead Stadium — which holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest cheer at an outdoor sporting venue, registering 142.2 decibels — when Fares Chaibi’s clever near-post finish was ruled out by VAR.

Rodrigo De Paul dropped deep, orchestrating play with the poise of Arrowhead’s own gridiron hero, Patrick Mahomes. His incisive pass dissected the Algerian defence, slicing through six players to find Messi’s feet. A quick turn, a burst of acceleration, and a thunderous strike gave Argentina the lead, despite a weak attempt from Luca Zidane. That goal also ensured Messi now holds the distinction of being both Argentina’s youngest and oldest World Cup goalscorer, having first found the net as an 18-year-old in 2006.

Argentina doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Alexis Mac Allister’s crisp strike rebounded awkwardly off Zidane, allowing Messi to calmly slot home from close range for his second of the night.

The tension in the stands had long evaporated when Messi completed his hat-trick with a trademark finish from the edge of the box — an exclamation point on another masterclass.

Miroslav Klose’s record as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer now hangs by a thread, with Messi poised to challenge it next Monday against Austria in Dallas. This performance served as a powerful reminder of Messi’s enduring ability to reshape football history — not just any history, but one written in moments of pure magic. While his club career at Barcelona spoiled fans with brilliance, it is his emotional journey with Argentina that has forged an even deeper global connection. Many expect this to be his final World Cup, but if this match is any indication, it could also be his most captivating chapter yet.