Remember when people whispered that Lionel Messi, nearly 39, might be a tad past his prime for another World Cup? That perhaps his legs, after leading Argentina to glory four years ago, had seen enough grass? Well, apparently, Messi didn't get the memo.
On Tuesday, Argentina kicked off its World Cup title defense, and Messi, bless his heart, decided to put on a masterclass. He netted three goals against Algeria in a tidy 3-0 victory, all while nearly 70,000 screaming fans packed into Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. Talk about a warm welcome.
It was Messi's first World Cup hat-trick, a full two decades after he scored his very first World Cup goal. Let that satisfying number sink in. He's now tied with Germany's Miroslav Klose for the all-time goal-scoring lead, with a staggering 16 goals. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for opposing teams.
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Start Your News DetoxThe Golden Boot Race is Heating Up
Messi's triple threat wasn't the only fireworks display. The race for the Golden Boot — awarded to the top goal scorer — is already looking like a sprint.
French sensation Kylian Mbappé decided to join the party, scoring twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal. He's now at 14 World Cup goals, casually cruising past Brazilian legend Pelé and tying for third place all-time. Because apparently, that's where we are now. Erling Haaland also chipped in with two goals for Norway against Iraq, and other two-goal getters included the U.S.'s Folarin Balogun, New Zealand's Elijah Just, and Germany's Kai Havertz.
Wednesday promises more drama, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading Portugal against the Democratic Republic of Congo (though at 41, his playing time is a question mark). England's Harry Kane and Croatia's Luka Modrić are also set to take the field.
The early days of the 2026 World Cup are making one thing clear: prepare for goals. Lots and lots of goals. And perhaps a few more records to fall, just for good measure.
