Those who stayed up late watching it went to mattress a little bit earlier — and with a “swollen head.”
After all, Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 marketing campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria this Tuesday (16), in a Group J match.
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It is the primary time in the event’s historical past that the defending champion has began with a hat-trick and with out conceding a aim!
But for many who put the South American rivalry apart for a second, it was one other recital from Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini on the pitch.
Still in the primary half, the Barcelona idol and present Inter Miami star had a aim disallowed, however opened the scoring earlier than the 20-minute mark.
With that, Messi broke some historic records, resembling surpassing King Pelé in aim involvements and targets at World Cups, and matching Cristiano Ronaldo as the one gamers to rating in 5 totally different World Cups.
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To see Messi’s “collection” of records, click on here!
After the break, the Argentine star grabbed a brace with a little bit “help” from Luca Zidane — sure, the son of the French legend and Real Madrid icon.
Finally, Messi accomplished his hat-trick to make historical past: the highest scorer in World Cup historical past with 16 targets. Click here!
Now, at 38 years and 357 days outdated, Messi has turn into the oldest participant in World Cup historical past to rating three targets in the identical match.
That means Messi SHATTERED seven World Cup records!
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Six targets from outdoors the field
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Most aim involvements (24 G/A)
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Only participant to function in 6 totally different World Cup editions
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Only participant (alongside CR7) to rating in 5 totally different World Cups
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Top scorer in World Cup historical past (16 targets, alongside Klose)
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Oldest participant to rating three targets in a World Cup match
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Player with probably the most matches in World Cup historical past (27 video games)
🚦 Standings
Argentina high Group J with three factors.
La Albiceleste return to motion subsequent Monday (22), after they face Austria, and shut out the group stage in opposition to Jordan on Saturday (27).
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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.