Three goals in one game, on his 200th international appearance. Lionel Messi opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria in Kansas City, leading Argentina to a clean 3-0 win in Group J and immediately placing himself at the top of the Golden Boot standings.
That performance also moved Messi level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, both now sitting on 16 goals. For anyone who still needed convincing that the Argentina captain belongs in the conversation, that number makes the argument for him.
The tournament is still in its early stages, with several countries having played just one game. But if the opening round is anything to go by, the race for the Golden Boot is already one to watch closely.
Originally published by NotJustOk.