Messi's Historic Hat-Trick: Xavi's Jordan Comparison, Teammate Praise, and Every Record Broken

Lionel Messi delivered a performance for the ages in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener, scoring a stunning hat-trick to lead the defending champions to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri. The 38-year-old captain not only secured the win but also tied or broke multiple all-time World Cup records, drawing comparisons to basketball legend Michael Jordan from former teammate Xavi Hernández and emotional tributes from his current Argentina teammates.

Xavi Hernández: 'The Michael Jordan of Football'

Former Barcelona teammate and manager Xavi Hernández was among the first to react, calling Messi "the Michael Jordan of football" in an interview with The Athletic.

"I like to say that he is the Michael Jordan of football," Xavi said. He described Messi's hat-trick as "almost inhuman" and "crazy," adding that the Argentine "continues to redefine the limits of the sport."

Xavi drew a direct parallel between the two icons: "He carries the team on his back, especially in the most important moments." The comparison resonated widely, with multiple outlets amplifying the message that Messi had now "surpassed every historical rival for the crown of the greatest of all time."

Teammate Tributes: Mac Allister and Fernández

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was unequivocal in his praise. Speaking to beIN SPORTS, he said Messi's "importance to Argentina can never be questioned or overstated" after the hat-trick made him the World Cup's joint-record goalscorer.

"There are no words for Messi … if someone thought that this team was better without Leo, today it became clear that he continues to amaze us every day," Mac Allister added. "The whole team feeds off his energy."

Enzo Fernández, who grew up idolizing Messi, offered an emotional tribute of his own. "There are no words to truly convey what Messi is like. He's on fire. Absolutely brilliant!" Fernández told reporters in the mixed zone.

"The team is enjoying playing alongside him. We share a remarkable bond. It's a fantastic squad, and Leo fits right in. He maintains such a calm demeanor," Fernández continued. On Chelsea's official website, he added that playing with his idol is "a dream come true" and called Messi "a role model both on and off the pitch."

Every Record Tied or Broken

Messi's three goals — scored in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes — triggered a cascade of milestones.

Equaled Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goal record — Messi's hat-trick brought his career World Cup tally to 16 goals, matching the German legend for the most in tournament history.

First World Cup hat-trick of his career — In his 26th World Cup match, at age 38, Messi scored his first-ever hat-trick at the tournament. It also made him the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.

First male player to appear at six World Cups — Messi made his sixth World Cup appearance (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026), a feat no other male player has achieved.

200th international cap — The match was Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina across all competitions.

Surpassed Pelé for all-time World Cup goal contributions — With 16 goals and 6 assists in World Cup play, Messi now has 22 total goal contributions, moving past Pelé's previous record of 21. Al Jazeera reported that Messi "surpassed Pelé's record for the most goal contributions in World Cup history."

The Match in Brief

Argentina dominated from the start. Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a long-range strike, doubled the lead in the 60th minute by tapping in a rebound from Alexis Mac Allister's shot, and completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a composed finish from the edge of the box. He exited to a standing ovation from the pro-Argentina crowd at Kansas City Stadium.

The victory marked a perfect start to Argentina's title defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.