The FIFA World Cup is already delivering boatloads of action, with the legendary Lionel Messi not waiting long to shock the world, and Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes was among the stunned fans in attendance.
With the 2026 tournament expected to be the Argentine legend’s last, he’s drawing a massive fanfare and is rewarding those watching.
Lionel Messi’s Exciting Argentina Performance Draws Tribute From Patrick Mahomes
Fans had to wait nearly a week before seeing one of the greatest soccer players of all time in action, as Argentina was scheduled to play Algeria on Tuesday night. Nonetheless, the on-field action eclipsed the anticipation leading up to the game, as Messi bagged a historic three goals on the night to power his side to a 3-0 win.
Chiefs quarterback Mahomes was in attendance to witness Messi level the all-time World Cup goal record, as the soccer legend now stands level with former German striker Miroslav Klose.
“🐐🐐🐐,” Mahomes tweeted in a nod to Messi being the ‘GOAT’ in many people’s eyes.
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Klose scored his famous 16 goals across four FIFA World Cups, and Messi tied the record in his sixth. The Argentine made his debut at the 2006 edition, becoming the youngest player ever to represent his country at the tournament in Germany at 18.
He also became Argentina’s youngest goal scorer at the tournament.
And the World Cup legend was born.
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While the boy from Rosario went down in Barcelona lore for his UEFA Champions League campaigns, he’d clock in every fourth year in the famous sky-blue and white stripes for the FIFA World Cup.
The highly sought-after trophy, however, evaded him for most of his career — 16 years to be exact — before he finally got to lift it in 2022.
Through all the ups and downs of the journey, though, he never stopped scoring, and 20 years later, he’s finally on the verge of standing alone at the top of the hill — above names like Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldo.
