Lionel Messi expressed his thoughts on the resounding victory of the Argentinian national team over Algeria at the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi / © Associated Press
The legendary forward of the Argentinian national team, Lionel Messi, commented on his team’s crushing victory over Algeria (3:0) in the first round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
In this match, the 38-year-old forward of Inter Miami scored a hat-trick, thereby equaling the record of former German national team forward Miroslav Klose for goals at World Cups – both now have 16 goals each.
After the meeting concluded, Messi, who was named the best player of the match against Algeria, reacted modestly to his outstanding achievement.
“I love playing football, it’s been my passion since childhood. When I’m in good shape, I give my all. I’m very pleased that I’ve experienced everything that was meant for me. What’s happening now is like a bonus. I’m very happy and grateful to this wonderful team, I appreciate it immensely and enjoy it.
The first matches at the World Cup are always difficult, and it’s clear that no one is giving away gifts. It’s a competitive tournament with well-prepared national teams. The days leading up to the start of the World Cup were tough, which is why the emotions were so strong. I am grateful to my teammates, the coaching staff, and the delegation.
Do I pay attention to the record for the number of World Cup goals? Honestly, no. It’s a great honor for me to be there (at the top of the scorers’ list – approx.) considering what it means to be alongside Klose. Ronaldo is also there, but I think it doesn’t mean anything. Mbappé is also there – he scored a brace today.
It’s just statistics and nothing more. Although the opportunity to compete with all of them is a source of pride, it doesn’t matter to me.
Ronaldo, among those I’ve seen, was one of the greatest, and he’s not in first place – meaning it all remains just statistics,” Messi said.
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In another match of the opening round of Group J, the teams of Austria and Jordan will meet. This match will take place on June 17th at 07:00 Kyiv time.
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In the second round, Argentina will play Austria on June 22nd, and Algeria will compete with Jordan on June 23rd.
The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11th to July 19th in three countries – the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This is the first World Cup with 48 participating teams – the largest number in the tournament’s history. From 1998 to 2022, the World Cups used a format with 32 teams.
All participants of the 2026 World Cup are divided into 12 groups, with four teams in each. The top two teams from each quartet, along with eight third-place finishers, will advance to the Round of 16. This will be followed by a knockout playoff in a single-match elimination format.
Here you can find the schedule and results of all matches of the 2026 Football World Cup.
You can also view the standings in all groups of the 2026 Football World Cup on our website.
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