Messi Hat Trick Fires Argentina to World Cup Win

Lionel Messi answered questions about his fitness and form with a hat trick as Argentina opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a victory. The performance will quiet any doubts about whether the 37-year-old could still influence a tournament at this level. Argentina are the defending champions, and a fully fit, in-form Messi makes them the team every other side must now plan around.