Lionel Messi kicked off Argentina's FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic style, netting a record-breaking hat-trick. The defending champions secured a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their tournament opener, with Messi as the sole scorer.
Messi's Age-Defying Performance
The Argentine captain, aged 38 years and 357 days, continues to astonish spectators with his consistent goal-scoring ability. While most players retire at this age, Messi's hat-trick proved that time has not diminished his football prowess. He shattered multiple records, surpassing football legends.
Oldest Player to Score Multiple Goals
Messi became the oldest player to score multiple goals in a FIFA World Cup match, eclipsing Cameroonian legend Roger Milla's record. Milla had held the mark for over three decades after scoring multiple goals at 38 years and 34 days old in 1990. Messi surpassed that by 323 days. However, Milla remains the oldest player ever to score at a World Cup, achieving that at 42 years of age.
Ronaldo and Others in the Hunt
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's long-time rival, is also among the oldest players at the World Cup at 41 years old. The Portuguese icon has an opportunity to better Messi's record. Veterans like Luka Modric and Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko are also among the oldest participants in the tournament.
Most Goals in World Cups
Messi also equaled the record for most goals in World Cups, matching former German striker Miroslav Klose with 16 goals. He surpassed Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, who had 15 goals.
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