Lionel Messi walked onto the field against Algeria on Wednesday having already secured his place as the only man to ever appear in six different World Cups. By the time he walked off, he had added a few more pieces of history to a resume that frankly didn’t need any more.
The 38-year-old Argentine superstar scored his first-ever World Cup hat trick — making him the oldest player in tournament history to pull that off — and tied the all-time men’s World Cup goals record with 16. He also crossed the 200-appearance mark for Argentina, a milestone that feels almost casual for a player who’s spent two decades rewriting what’s possible in the sport.
What makes this performance particularly striking isn’t just the numbers. It’s the context. Messi already lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022, slaying the one dragon that had followed him through his entire career. According to those close to the team, that freedom is exactly what’s making him even more dangerous now.
What the Icons Had to Say
Erling Haaland, who had just scored a brace in his own World Cup debut for Norway, kept his reaction short and viral.
“Messi is a madman,” Haaland posted on Snapchat.
Thomas Müller, a World Cup winner himself in 2014, went with the goat emoji and a photo of the two facing off in MLS action.
“This guy…🐐,” Müller wrote on Instagram.
Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United and England defender, broke down the feat in a more traditional post on X.
“Wow Messi!!! His first ever Hattrick at a World Cup… and now officially ties the record for the most ever World Cup goals! #FIFAWorldCup #Messi.”
Alan Shearer, working as a pundit for the tournament, kept it simple with a string of clapping emojis and a note about Messi’s 16th World Cup goal.
But the most insightful take came from two-time World Cup champion Carli Lloyd. The former USWNT star offered a tactical and psychological breakdown of what she’s seeing from the Argentine.
“Messi is playing with complete freedom,” Lloyd posted on X. “He’s already achieved the ultimate goal by winning the World Cup, and that makes him even more dangerous this tournament. No pressure or expectations to live up to—just pure football. Enjoy every moment while we still can. There’s simply no one else like him.🐐”
Scaloni and De Paul Weigh In
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni didn’t mince words when asked about his captain’s legacy.
“We have to enjoy him,” Scaloni said.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul focused on what Messi brings beyond the goals.
“It’s an advantage to have Leo, because of how he manages the group and drives it forward. He doesn’t pay attention to individual records. He prioritizes the team, and for us that’s incredible.”
Messi now shares the all-time World Cup goals record with Miroslav Klose, and with at least one more match guaranteed in this tournament, he has a chance to stand alone. Given how he’s playing — loose, creative, unburdened — nobody would bet against him.
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