The master did it again. Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored a remarkable hat-trick in his first game of the 2026 World Cup, tying him for first in all-time goals in the competition.
NFL fans are used to watching Patrick Mahomes make history on this same field for the Kansas City Chiefs, but this summer, on this night, the field belongs to Messi.
NFL World Reacts To Lionel Messi’s Incredible World Cup Hat Trick
One can’t help but feel privileged to watch, quite probably, the greatest soccer player ever, and despite being a week from his 39th birthday, Messi showed he still has plenty of magic left in his boots. His first goal was truly special.
He found himself in a pocket of space, as he has done throughout his career, ran toward a terrified Algerian defense before curling a majestic strike into the top corner from the edge of the box to continue his legendary World Cup story. He has now tied German legend Miroslav Klose for all-time goals in the World Cup.
This feat drew admiration from around the world, including in NFL circles. For instance, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III aptly described Messi’s first goal in detail in his tweet, while referring to him as “The GOAT.”
Lionel Messi with an ABSOLUTE MISSLE for Argentina’s first goal of the 2026 World Cup 🤯
The GOAT#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/RDxYJYpqsf
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 17, 2026
Meanwhile, former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, of ‘Bussin’ with the boys,’ wrote on their X account: “Messi is untouchable.”
The Chiefs’ 2x Super Bowl Champion guard, Trey Smith, knows a thing or two about greatness when protecting Mahomes. Now he’s seeing Messi play on his home field, and he’s clearly caught World Cup fever, writing excitedly on his X account, “Viva La Argentina.” Furthermore, Pat McAfee posted: “The GOATS swan song.”
NFL insider Dan Orlovski was truly in awe of Messi’s scoring feat in his tweet. Writing: “This is insane.”
Griffin III also tweeted again in all caps, reiterating Messi’s GOAT status, “LIONEL MESSI HATTRICK,” while posting the statistic of Messi matching Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record.
LIONEL MESSI HAT TRICK 🤯🤯🤯
Messi just tied Morison Klose for the World Record for most FIFA WORLD CUP GOALS EVER WITH 16.
MESSI IS THE GOAT #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/uT9S7xgCG6
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 17, 2026
Messi certainly didn’t have to wait long to make his mark on the 2026 World Cup: Not long after scoring a thunderbolt first goal, he was also a fox in the box, taking advantage of Algeria’s keeper failing to handle the ball to stroke the ball home.
Not content with that, he again found himself alone at the edge of the box, and with a deft drop of the shoulder, he drilled in a third to send Argentine fans and Soccer fans into rapture for his 16th World Cup goal.
Messi has revolutionized soccer for MLS fans with Inter Miami, scoring 90 goals in just 2 seasons. This follows a legendary career in Europe, most notably for Barcelona, where he is the Catalan club’s all-time leading scorer with a mind-blowing 672 goals.
Now Messi is looking to cement his legacy for Argentina after helping them win the World Cup four years ago. Now, he is looking to repeat that feat, this time in North America, where he currently plays. It would take a brave person to bet against him beating the World Cup scoring record and winning another World Cup. We are truly witnessing greatness.
