Messi rolls back the clock for Argentina to start ...
Key takeaways
- The Albiceleste captain also tied the record for most goals in World Cup history with retired Germany legend Miroslav Klose (16), while equaling Klose for most wins in the tournament (17).
- "It's an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo [the Brazil striker, who had 15], who is also there.
- Still, Argentina supporters and Messi fans around the world had waited almost four years for this moment, hoping the 38-year-old would take part in the World Cup again.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
With the majority of the Kansas City stadium chanting his name and bowing, Messi became the first-ever player to actively participate in six FIFA World Cups as he featured for 80 minutes and scored a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria to his name into the history books forever. The Albiceleste captain also tied the record for most goals in World Cup history with retired Germany legend Miroslav Klose (16), while equaling Klose for most wins in the tournament (17).
"It's an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo [the Brazil striker, who had 15], who is also there. But it doesn't mean anything," Messi said after the game.
Still, Argentina supporters and Messi fans around the world had waited almost four years for this moment, hoping the 38-year-old would take part in the World Cup again. Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 as a teenager with long hair and a dream, but after winning the trophy at Qatar 2022 for the first time, he has a new mission: defend the title with everything he's got.