Lionel Messi enjoyed a historic night as Argentina dispatched Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup opener, but the victory was marred by a controversial incident that left fans and pundits questioning the officiating. The Inter Miami star netted a sensational hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, yet many believe he should not have been on the pitch to complete the feat.
Lionel Messi has opened up on the motivation behind his continued dominance after inspiring Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami star netted a historic hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, later citing tennis legend Rafael Nadal as a key influence on his mindset.
Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains the undisputed king of world football after netting a historic hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 demolition of Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami superstar dominated the headlines at Kansas City Stadium, not just for his record-equalling exploits on the pitch, but for an emotional celebration that left the veteran in tears.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rodrigo De Paul stunned plenty of Argentina fans when he decided to leave Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami with the World Cup less than a year away, but national team manager Lionel Scaloni backed the midfielder’s move to Major League Soccer, stressing he is more concerned with performance than club address.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Argentina's World Cup title defence began nervously before Lionel Messi reminded everyone he is Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria before 69,045 fans at Kansas City Stadium. Messi's three-goal performance also moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals, though Klose reached the mark in fewer matches.
Lionel Messi possesses the magic to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes the veteran forward is perfectly supported by his national and Inter Miami colleagues, allowing him to save his energy for crucial moments. Zabaleta says the current tactical setup is ideal for the GOAT.
Italy legend Dino Zoff has given his blessing to Juventus' pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, insisting the Argentine's eccentric personality is no barrier to success in Turin. The iconic former goalkeeper also weighed in on the futures of Dusan Vlahovic and long-term target Domenico Berardi as the Bianconeri look to rebuild.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez have all successfully shaken off recent injury concerns to be available for the country's 2026 World Cup opener. Scaloni talked up the importance of "monumental" Inter Miami star Messi ahead of the Group J clash against Algeria.
Lionel Scaloni’s record as Argentina manager is flawless. Three tournaments, three trophies won, with La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph sandwiched between successive Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. For a coach in his first managerial role, that is unprecedented.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has set his sights on a major leadership role with the Argentina national team, admitting he dreams of one day wearing the captain’s armband currently held by Lionel Messi. The former Benfica star has become a pillar of the Albiceleste midfield since his breakout performance at the 2022 World Cup.
Germany legend Miroslav Klose expects his iconic World Cup goal-scoring record to be shattered during the current tournament cycle in North America. The former striker feels the expanded tournament format provides the perfect platform for elite forwards to surpass his historic tally, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe leading the chase.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has backed his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi to spearhead another successful World Cup campaign for Argentina. Despite the legendary forward turning 38, the French attacker insists that Messi's unparalleled quality remains undiminished.
Tottenham-bound defender Marcos Senesi has been officially drafted into Argentina's final 26-man World Cup squad as a late replacement for the injured Leonardo Balerdi. The versatile centre-back is heading to the United States to join Lionel Messi and the rest of the squad at their base camp, marking the end of a whirlwind week for the player.
Argentina have reclaimed the number one spot in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings. The update comes at the perfect time for Lionel Scaloni’s side, with the 2026 World Cup now officially underway as Argentina seek to defend their crown.
There's just a few hours to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off in Mexico City on Thursday. If you haven't already caught a serious case of World Cup fever, what better way to get in the mood than by checking out the very best kits that will be on show in North America this summer.
The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. Over the course of the next week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.
After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world have descended on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way in Mexico City.
We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos believes that Lionel Messi can comfortably play in another World Cup after the 2026 tournament. Speaking ahead of the global showpiece, the iconic left-back also assessed Neymar's crucial role under Carlo Ancelotti as the forward races to return to full fitness for the Brazil national team following recent injury struggles.
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