One more time, Leo!

Argentinian fans still remember the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where, before being expelled on a doping test, Diego Maradona seemed "from another planet." Messi in 2026 is five years older than Maradona was in 1994. And also in the USA, "El Pulgar" scored a hat-trick, leading Argentina to victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Is Messi getting old? Is Messi too lazy to run? Or is Messi simply too complacent after lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy? No way!

Where did everyone go? Who still says Messi is going to the 2026 World Cup just to enjoy the atmosphere of the football tournament?

Messi creates chances, Messi dribbles, Messi competes, Messi is full of determination… Messi scores. And it's a hat-trick!

June 24th, just a few days from now, he will turn 39.

"Does aging even exist for Messi? Scoring a hat-trick at a World Cup is already extraordinary. But to do it at almost 39 years old is truly unbelievable," commented The Guardian after the match.

It was also a hat-trick showcasing all of Messi's qualities. The opening goal was a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, although the goalkeeper probably should have done better. The second goal was typical of a penalty box assassin, with a lightning-fast close-range rebound. And the third goal transported fans back to the glory days at Barcelona: a one-two pass in front of the 16-yard box, a delicate curling shot that left the opposing defense bewildered before the ball was in the net.

Before Ronaldo took to the field with Portugal, Messi was the first and only player to participate in six World Cups. 27 matches, 16 goals, 8 assists. He also holds the record for most appearances in the World Cup and has equaled Miroslav Klose's record for most goals in the tournament (16 goals). He may even extend those records in the upcoming matches.

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Messi scored a hat-trick on the opening day of the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Getty

"This Sunday could be my last World Cup match," Messi once shared before the 2022 World Cup final. The superstar, born in 1987, admitted that it would be difficult for him to have enough time and physical condition to wait for the next World Cup. He doesn't want to participate just for fame or emotion, but only if he is truly in his best form. The decision to participate in the World Cup is only truly made by Messi after the MLS season ends. For him, enjoying football only truly has meaning when his physical condition allows him to play at his best.

Indeed, Messi had a brilliant MLS season. After scoring a stunning free-kick against Porto, helping Inter Miami reach the knockout stage of the Club World Cup in the US, he ended 2025 as the MLS champion for the first time in his career. He also swept both the Player of the Year and the Golden Boot awards.

In the final stages of the season, Messi consistently made his mark with goals and assists, before finishing the play-offs with 6 goals and 7 assists in 6 matches, playing a major role in leading Inter Miami to the championship.

And then, football granted Messi an exception. Three and a half years after his triumph in Qatar, he actually appeared on American soil, and remains the greatest inspiration for La Albiceleste.

Towards the end of his career, Messi also managed to add the Copa America 2024 title to his already impressive collection.

It was a sweet fulfillment compared to nine consecutive major international tournaments where he failed to win a single title. For many years, back home, he only received skepticism and criticism. Since winning the Copa America 2021, everything has completely reversed. Messi and Argentina have consecutively reached the top in the last three major tournaments: Copa America 2021, World Cup 2022, and Copa America 2024.

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Messi is living through an extra chapter in his life that few thought he could continue to write. He has won all the biggest titles, and most debates about greatness have come to an end.

For the first time in years, Messi arrived at the World Cup without the burden of any mission for Argentine football or the pressure of completing his trophy collection. He was no longer chasing the past, nor did he need to compete with anyone. And perhaps it is this serenity that is allowing the world to witness a more relaxed, freer, and more graceful Messi, yet still as dangerous as ever.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/them-mot-lan-nua-nhe-leo-1044674