“He can never retire”, “Football god” - Fans left speechless after 38-year-old Lionel Messi scores hat-trick in first game at 2026 FIFA World Cup

× Fans were left in awe of Lionel Messi after he scored a hat-trick in Argentina's opening game against Algeria in the FIFA World Cup. The defending champions began their 2026 campaign with a bang, securing a 3-0 win over their opponents. Ad Lionel Messi delivered a perfect performance, proving that he's still as magical as they say he is at 38.

His first goal came from the edge of the box (17') in classic Messi style, making it 1-0 for Argentina, much ahead of half-time. In the second-half, La Pulga continued to mesmerize the crowds with two more goals (60' and 76'), creating history at the FIFA World Cup. With his hat-trick, Messi has now tied with Miroslav Klose as the all-time highest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup with 16 goals to his name.

Ad Trending Fans took to X to react to Lionel Messi's hat-trick, as the legendary Argentine continues to keep football fans in awe of his unmatched brilliance. One X user wrote: "The way he tracks back, his movement on the ball, link up play, shooting and passing accuracy…. just name it.

Man is a football god!" why love? @psalmie_ae@NealGardner_ @Ayozion69 the way he tracks back, his movement on the ball, link up play, shooting and passing accuracy….

just name it. man is a football god! Ad Other users also chimed in, sharing their admiration for Messi: Neal 🇦🇺 @NealGardner_I’ve never seen a soon-to-be 39-year-old move REMOTELY like this.

Everything about Messi defies sense. Ad bella 🇵🇹 @ronaldoptglMessi is sick bruh how is he doin all this Ad E @Ellis_I’m so happy I stayed up at these ungodly hours to watch Messi play this guy is an alien the best footballer to ever grace a football pitch without shadow of doubt. Ad Fans continued to share their thoughts on Messi's remarkable achievement: george @StokeyyG2LIONEL MESSI.

THE GREATEST TO EVER DO IT. WE WILL NEVER SEE THE LIKE AGAIN. WHAT ARE WE WITNESSING???

Ad Gad Saad @GadSaadMessi is divinity. He is not a human being. He can never retire.

Ad Adam @AdamJosephLeo Messi. World Cup hat trick. Bloke turns 39 next week.

Just sit back & enjoy it man, relish this level of greatness for this length of time. He will play as long as he likes. What more can you say?

Ad Tonight, Lionel Messi became the first-ever player in history to feature in six FIFA World Cups. The legend of the game is now the tournament's all-time highest goalscorer in history, with still a long way to go, as this was only the opening clash. The defending champions remain strong favorites to retain their title once again, with Messi's terrific form at their helm.

Lionel Messi explains why he cried after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in FIFA World Cup opener In the post-match press conference, Lionel Messi opened up on why he was seen crying after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in their opening game in the FIFA World Cup. He explained that it had nothing to do with football and said (via Albiceleste Talk): Ad "Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football.

I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it."Irrespective, the moment remains an emotional one for fans as this marks Messi's sixth and possibly final World Cup. The legendary forward has already achieved his dream of winning the tournament in 2022 in Qatar, but his form tonight proves the journey is not over yet.

Argentina will next face Austria (June 22) and Jordan (June 27) in the group stages. × Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar Fans were left in awe of Lionel Messi after he scored a hat-trick in Argentina's opening game against Algeria in the FIFA World Cup.

The defending champions began their 2026 campaign with a bang, securing a 3-0 win over their opponents. Ad Lionel Messi delivered a perfect performance, proving that he's still as magical as they say he is at 38. His first goal came from the edge of the box (17') in classic Messi style, making it 1-0 for Argentina, much ahead of half-time.

In the second-half, La Pulga continued to mesmerize the crowds with two more goals (60' and 76'), creating history at the FIFA World Cup. With his hat-trick, Messi has now tied with Miroslav Klose as the all-time highest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup with 16 goals to his name. Ad Trending Fans took to X to react to Lionel Messi's hat-trick, as the legendary Argentine continues to keep football fans in awe of his unmatched brilliance.

One X user wrote: "The way he tracks back, his movement on the ball, link up play, shooting and passing accuracy…. just name it. Man is a football god!"

why love? @psalmie_ae@NealGardner_ @Ayozion69 the way he tracks back, his movement on the ball, link up play, shooting and passing accuracy…. just name it.

man is a football god! Ad Other users also chimed in, sharing their admiration