Magic World Cup 2026 moments: Messi’s show-stopping hat-trick

The biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history produced pulsating matches, spectacular goals and record-breaking performances. Here, we reflect on the most memorable moments from the greatest show on earth. Four years previously, Lionel Messi conquered his personal Everest. By captaining Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, he lifted the trophy he coveted above all others, and which had remained agonisingly elusive. When he led out his country for their opening game of the 2026 finals, then, Messi had nothing to prove. It speaks to his enduring genius and desire that he would emphatically showcase his extraordinary quality again. A sumptuous 17th-minute opening goal set the tone for a virtuoso display in Kansas City. He netted again on the hour, slotting in after an Alexis Mac Allister effort was parried by goalkeeper Luca Zidane, before a completing his first World Cup hat-trick with a precision strike from the edge of the box. The man born for biggest stage had lit it up again. KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 16: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images) More on FIFA Messi's World Cup records Every Messi World Cup goal Top World Cup goalscorers in history