We have to cherish him. Messi turns back the clock for Argentina to start his farewell campaign in style. It was a historic start for Lionel Messi in the opening match on Tuesday of what can be considered El ultimo tango, the last dance. If you want to see the match, buy FIFA World Cup Tickets from eTicketing.co.
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With the majority of Arrowhead Stadium cheering his name and bowing, Messi became the first player to appear in six FIFA World Cups as he was featured for 80 minutes and scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria to put his name in the record books.
The Albiceleste captain also matched the record for most goals in World Cup history with retired Germany legend Miroslav Klose (16), while drawing level with Klose for most wins in the tournament (17). For him, though, it’s just figures.
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It’s an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo, the Brazil striker, who had 15, who is also there. But it doesn’t mean anything, Messi said after the game. Still, Argentina supporters and Messi fans around the world had anticipated this moment for almost four years, hoping the 38-year-old would participate in the World Cup again.
Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 as a teenager with long hair and a dream, but after lifting the trophy at Qatar in 2022 for the first time, he has a new objective: defend the title with everything he’s got. He’s been in different conditions and has always been here, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Monday. He’s always been exceptional for us, and now he will be even more.
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It wasn’t entirely certain if Messi would make it to the 2026 tournament. He never explicitly announced his intention to participate during the months leading up to the tournament; instead, he expressed careful confidence but always cited his health as the ultimate deciding factor.
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I’m trying to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself, Messi said in September 2025. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t decided for the World Cup. Messi stayed healthy for the most part, dealing with small injuries here and there.
The greatest concern came May 24, when he exited Inter Miami’s final match early of the MLS season ahead of the World Cup while holding his left hamstring. Inter Miami quickly reported that scans showed muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, which left Messi training separately for weeks, and caused him to miss Argentina’s first pre-World Cup friendly against Honduras before finally returning to the field against Iceland in the second half.
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But on Tuesday night against Algeria, none of the previous health concerns seemed to matter anymore. When the ball began rolling, Messi clicked into gear and displayed the same determination that fans saw in 2006. As he usually is, Messi was the main highlight of the first half and scored in the early minutes before the referee ruled his strike out for offside.
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The stadium burst into chants before hearing the official’s decision, but the fans’ reaction only served as a preview for what was to come. After 17 minutes, Messi managed his signature left-footed strike from just outside the area to officially give the lead to La Albiceleste. Supporters stood as soon as the No. 10 gained possession of the ball and then broke into thunderous cheers once the ball reached the back of the net.
Messi scored two more times in the second half to take full control of the game, and this World Cup. But beyond the goals, the veteran played an essential role on the right side of the pitch by recording four shots on target, 37 passes, and a total carrying distance of 247.4 meters. When he was substituted in the 80th minute, he received a deserved standing ovation.
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Most fans chanted his name and bowed, while others stood in amazement. Even fans wearing the Algeria jersey near the press box couldn’t help but applaud him off the pitch. There are no words to describe him, teammate Alexis Mac Allister said after the match. If anyone thought this team was better without Leo, today it was confirmed that the opposite is true.
He is our most important player. We need to construct a team around him, and we are doing it. Scaloni said: It’s not about imagining if he could have a start like this. He’s been doing this for 20 years. People who watch football want to see him; it’s not just Argentines. Beyond the result, we have to appreciate him. What he brings to the world is incredible.
This new 48-team World Cup allows even best-ranked third-place nations to advance to the knockout round, leaving Argentina in a favorable position heading into the second group-stage match against Austria. It’s still early in the tournament, but Messi and the rest of the Argentina squad have demonstrated they are ready to defend their 2022 title.
How did Lionel Messi perform in Argentina’s World Cup match against Algeria?
Lionel Messi delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a hat-trick and helping Argentina secure a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.
What record did Lionel Messi achieve at the Football World Cup 2026?
Messi became the first footballer in history to appear in six FIFA World Cups and also equaled Miroslav Klose’s record for most World Cup goals and wins.
Was Lionel Messi injured before the FIFA World Cup?
Yes, Messi dealt with a left hamstring issue while playing for Inter Miami before the tournament. However, he recovered in time and returned to lead Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Why is FIFA World Cup 2026 considered Messi’s ‘last dance’?
At 38 years old, many fans believe the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be Messi’s final World Cup appearance, making this tournament a special farewell journey for the Argentine legend.
Can Argentina defend its Soccer World Cup title in 2026?
Argentina has started strongly with a convincing win over Algeria. With Messi leading the squad and a talented supporting cast, they are considered one of the favorites to defend their 2022 World Cup crown.