‘We have packed the stadium again’: Messi greets the Argentinian fans after a historic evening

Lionel Messi hailed a «beautiful moment» after becoming the World Cup’s joint all-time top scorer in his record-breaking performance in the sixth final on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain wrote another memorable chapter in his glittering career with a brilliant hat-trick in the South Americans’ 3-0 win over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Messi’s hat-trick, his first ever at a World Cup, moved him level with German Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals.

“To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a very beautiful moment,” Inter Miami star Messi said afterwards. “I’m happy.”

Messi’s razor-sharp eye for goal bodes well for Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.

«The team is a very united, very strong group,» Messi said afterwards.

«I feel good; we were lucky to win a tough match. It’s important to start with a win in the first game.»

«I am grateful to the fans because they have shown once again that Argentina loves this. We packed the stadium again.»

Published on June 17, 2026