KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lionel Messi kicked off what many call “El ultimo tango” (the last dance) with an unforgettable performance in the opening match on Tuesday.
With a fervent crowd at Arrowhead Stadium chanting his name and paying tribute, Messi made history by becoming the first player to participate in six FIFA World Cups. He played for 80 minutes and netted a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, solidifying his name in the record books. The Albiceleste captain also equaled the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history, tying with retired German legend Miroslav Klose at 16 goals, while also matching Klose’s record of 17 World Cup wins.
However, for Messi, these achievements are just numbers.
“It’s an honor to be up there alongside Klose and Ronaldo [the Brazilian striker with 15 goals], but it doesn’t mean much,” Messi stated after the game.
Fans of Argentina and Messi around the globe had been eagerly anticipating this moment, hoping the 38-year-old would grace the World Cup stage once more. Making his World Cup debut in 2006 as a young player with dreams, Messi has since fulfilled that dream by winning the trophy in Qatar in 2022. He now embarks on a new journey: to defend the title with tenacity.
“He has been an iconic figure in various conditions and is always here for us,” Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni remarked on Monday. “His presence is monumental, and now that significance will only grow.”
There were uncertainties about Messi’s participation in the 2026 tournament; he had not confirmed his intentions in the lead-up. Instead, he expressed cautious optimism while emphasizing his health as a key factor.
“I’m focused on feeling well and being honest with myself,” Messi shared in September 2025. “I enjoy playing when I’m fit, but when I’m not, I prefer to step aside and not play. We’ll see what happens. I haven’t made a definitive decision about the World Cup.”
Messi managed to stay mostly healthy, though he faced minor injuries. The biggest scare came on May 24 when he left Inter Miami’s last MLS match early due to a left hamstring issue.
Inter Miami quickly reported that scans confirmed only muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, causing Messi to train separately for weeks and miss Argentina’s initial pre-World Cup friendly against Honduras. However, he made a strong return in the match against Iceland in the second half.
Last night against Algeria, Messi seemed to shake off all prior health worries. Once the game started, he showcased the same drive that captivated fans in 2006.
As expected, he was the focal point in the first half, initially scoring a goal that was ruled out for offside, eliciting an uproar from the crowd before they learned of the referee’s decision. This reaction only prepared them for what was to come.
At the 17-minute mark, Messi executed one of his signature left-foot strikes from just outside the box to open the scoring for La Albiceleste. As soon as he gained possession, fans leapt to their feet, and the cheers grew deafening once the ball hit the back of the net.
He went on to score two more goals in the second half, dominating the match and the World Cup. Beyond the goals, the veteran player was crucial on the right flank, achieving four shots on target, 37 completed passes, and covering a total distance of 247.4 meters.
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Argentina fans in Buenos Aires react to Messi’s hat trick goal vs. Algeria
When substituted in the 80th minute, he received a well-deserved standing ovation. The majority of fans chanted his name and bowed in respect, even spectators wearing Algeria jerseys near the press box applauded his exit.
“There are no words to describe him,” teammate Alexis Mac Allister expressed after the match. “If anyone believed this team was better off without Leo, today proved them wrong. He is our most crucial player, and we need to build around him, and we are doing just that.”
Scaloni added, “It’s not about imagining if he could start like this. He has been delivering exceptional performances for 20 years. Fans, not just Argentines, want to witness him play. Regardless of the outcome, we must treasure what he brings to the world.”
This World Cup, featuring 48 teams, allows even the best-ranked third-place nations to progress to the knockout stages, positioning Argentina advantageously ahead of their next group match against Austria. Although it is still early in the tournament, Messi and the Argentina squad have demonstrated their intent to defend the 2022 title.
“Winning the last tournament boosts our confidence for what lies ahead,” Scaloni remarked.
Although recent history is against them, with only Italy and Brazil winning consecutive World Cups, Messi remains committed to giving his nation’s supporters the joy of victory, one last time.