On June 16, Lionel Messi He further expanded his figure in football after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s debut in the 2026 World Cup against Algeria.
Messi showed everyone last Tuesday why he is considered one of the best players in the history of this sportby showing a performance considered by many as historic in the first game of the Albiceleste in the defense of its world champion title.
With the recital he gave against Algeria, Messi not only occupies first place in the scoring table of this edition of the 2026 World Cup (followed by other figures such as Kylian Mbappé, who scored two goals with France), but also He is tied with the legendary German player Miroslav Klose for goals scored in the entire history of this competition.
After the match and after receiving recognition as the most valuable player of the match, Lionel Messi surprised everyone by comparing himself with another sports legend: tennis player Rafael Nadal.
Before the media, the captain of Argentina revealed that the entire team has closely followed the tennis player’s documentary series, called “RAFA”, and assured that he feels very identified with the athlete in terms of mentality and performance.
“We are all watching the Rafa Nadal series and I identify with it a lot, I think we are very similar in that sense, that I always want to give my best and I want to feel good“Messi said.
When also asked about how he always manages to give the highest level in each match, “La Pulga” said that Soccer is his passion and it drives him to always give his best..
“Football is my passion, it has been since I was little and when I’m good, I give my best.“said the Argentine star.
Finally, when asked about his future and if he has ever thought about retiring, Messi only assured: “As long as you can and are well enough to do it, we will be there“.