Lionel Messi has changed his mind before, but there is every reason to believe that the 2026 World Cup will be the all-time great footballer’s last major international tournament. With that in mind, fans and even causal viewers are doing their best to soak in all of the remaining greatness the soon-to-be 39-year-old has left to offer on the grand stage. Messi obliged them in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on Tuesday night.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or fired a rocket in the 17th minute, exhilarating superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and much of Kansas City Stadium. He then scored again in the 60th minute, positioning La Albiceleste for a routine victory. He then struck again in the 76th, completing an awe-inspiring hat trick for all to see.
Now in his sixth World Cup, this man still knows how to put on a show. His mastery was certainly appreciated from those watching, including a couple of people who fans may not expect to weigh in on this topic.
“THE GOAT’S SWAN SONG. THANK YOU LOU,” supremely popular media personality and former All-Pro punter Pat McAfee posted on X. “MESSI, almost 39, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL,” award-winning sportswriter and polarizing pundit Skip Bayless exclaimed.
Messi now has 16 career World Cup goals, which ties him with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the record. Based on what has transpired thus far, the crown will shift to another imminently. Although there are stars galore in this global extravaganza, No. 10 will likely generate most of the headlines as long as Argentina is still standing.
Lionel Messi and the defending champions will next battle Austria inside Arlington, Texas’ AT&T Stadium next Monday afternoon.
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