After an exciting opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi shared an emotional message on Instagram, celebrating his first-ever hat trick in the tournament. Alongside an impressive photo from the match, the legendary captain emphasized the national team’s competitive spirit.
At 38 years old, Messi not only celebrated the team’s victory but also reflected on his individual legacy on the world stage. He graciously acknowledged surpassing the World Cup goal record previously held by Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
His outstanding performance against Algeria brought his career tournament total to 16 goals, tying him for the all-time record while surpassing the iconic Ronaldo. Football insider Fabrizio Romano shared that Messi expressed heartfelt humility about this significant achievement, showing deep respect for the sporting icons who influenced his career.
“It is a great honor to compete with these legends, including Ronaldo Nazário, who is one of the players I have admired,” Messi stated. He also paid tribute to Ronaldo’s legendary status, saying, “He was one of the greatest players of all time.”
Leo Messi: “It is a great honor to be able to compete with all these greats, including Ronaldo Nazario, among the players I have watched”.
“He was one of the greatest players of all time”. pic.twitter.com/JrlN8SwXCR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2026
To conclude the memorable evening, Messi expressed deep gratitude to the thousands of passionate Argentine fans who filled GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. He praised the crowd of over 80,000 for their unwavering support, highlighting that their dedication and enthusiasm remain a crucial driving force in Argentina’s pursuit of the 2026 title defense.
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