Celebs Hail Messi’s Historic Hat-Trick as He Matches World Cup Record
Lionel Messi stole the show in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 World Cup opener by scoring a record-tying hat-trick. The performance moved him to 16 World Cup goals, matching Miroslav Klose’s all-time mark and cementing a historic night for the Argentine star. Celebrities flooded social media to celebrate Messi’s achievement. Michael Jackson’s sister jumped in with a jubilant message, while NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and NBA guard Trae Young hailed him as the GOAT. Even rival striker Erling Haaland called him a “madman,” highlighting the global admiration for football’s biggest name. Debate continues over a controversial challenge on Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi that many argue should have resulted in a red card. Despite the refereeing drama, the crossover buzz from sports and entertainment has only amplified Messi’s superstar status on football’s grandest stage.
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