Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup felt like a storybook ending to arguably the greatest career in soccer history. Messi led Argentina to the World Cup at age-35 with an iconic performance, earning the only accomplishment that had eluded him.
Messi’s World Cup hat trick is included most spectacular goal of 2026 tournament so far
Messi’s first goal in the 2026 World Cup was an absolute beauty.
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Messi is back at the 2026 World Cup on the brink is his 39th birthday later in June. Somehow, he’s still as great as ever.
Messi put Argentina up 1-0 on Algeria in the World Cup opener for both countries in the 16th minute of the match. The superstar took the ball down the center of the pitch and unleashed a rocket in the back of the net as only he can. Watch Messi’s breathtaking goal here:
Right in the top corner! How does Messi do it?
Watch an alternate angle here:
Messi hasn’t been deterred by old age or spending his golden years playing in the MLS. He can still be as incredible as any player when he’s at his best, and this goal proves it.
It’s such a joy to be able to experience Messi’s greatness even this late into his career. He really might be the GOAT, and he continues to prove it on the world’s biggest stage.
Update: Messi added two more goals for his first ever hat trick in the World Cup.
Here’s his second goal:
Here’s his third goal:
We’ll never see another Leo Messi.
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