It took Lionel Messi just 77 minutes to turn the 2026 World Cup on its head. His magical opening hat-trick left him on the brink of the tournament’s all-time scoring record and takes Argentina on the verge of qualification – two perfect gifts ahead of Monday’s clash with Austria before he blows out 39 candles. The Albiceleste captain celebrates his birthday on Wednesday and he will hope to hold the World Cup scoring record outright by then. The Inter Miami star silenced any remaining sceptics
on Tuesday, launching his sixth World Cup campaign with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. The Rosario-born superstar now shares the tournament scoring record of 16 goals with German striker Miroslav Klose and will be looking to move clear when Argentina face Austria at Dallas Stadium on Monday at 12pm local time (2pm Buenos Aires, 1700 GMT). It would be another landmark achievement in a career unlike any other, even if the record ultimately proves temporary. France’s Kylian Mbappé, 11
years younger, is close behind on 14 goals. Messi has been smiling on the pitches of Kansas City in recent days, although away from football he has been dealing with concern over his father’s health. The player’s family confirmed on Thursday that 68-year-old Jorge Messi is receiving medical treatment, issuing a statement after widespread speculation about a deterioration in his condition. Messi himself, perhaps unintentionally, drew attention to the private matter when he broke down in tears after scoring his first goal against Algeria, later
saying the emotion was linked to an issue unrelated to football. Despite those concerns, he has continued training normally with Argentina and enjoying the positive atmosphere within the squad, whose players continue to rally around the leader who guided them to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. ‘A good atmosphere is fundamental’ Argentina’s training base in Kansas City has remained largely closed off to the outside world, with no media appearances beyond mandatory commitments. Supporters have nevertheless gained glimpses into life inside the camp
through social media, including an asado attended by several players that was shared on Instagram by Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia. Messi was also seen enthusiastically enjoying a performance by Argentine singer Carlos ‘La Mona’ Jiménez at the team’s training base. “You’re phenomenal, you’re one of the greats,” Messi told the veteran Córdoba musician in a video later posted to the singer’s social media account. “A good atmosphere is fundamental because, besides competing, we’re sharing an important period of our lives together,” Argentina
assistant coach Pablo Aimar told FIFA’s official website. “Above all we want the football side to go well, but the journey matters too,” added the former Argentina international, who was one of Messi’s childhood idols. Scaloni weighs changes On the football side, the relative calm of Kansas City – interrupted only occasionally by storms and tornado warnings – has allowed coach Lionel Scaloni to consider changes to his starting line-up, beginning with Messi’s strike partner. Julián Álvarez, who started the opening match on the bench
due to an ankle issue, could return to the attack at the expense of Lautaro Martínez. In defence, Nahuel Molina is expected to replace Gonzalo Montiel at right-back after the latter suffered a muscle problem, while Nicolás Tagliafico could make his first appearance of the tournament on the left flank. In midfield, the only possible change would see Thiago Almada make way for either Nicolás González or Giuliano Simeone. Almada’s ability to combine in tight spaces could nevertheless prove valuable against Austria’s trademark “gegenpressing” system
– the intense pressing immediately after losing possession that has become synonymous with Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick. The 67-year-old German, widely regarded as one of the key influences on Jürgen Klopp, has turned Austria into one of the strongest sides in the European qualifiers. Austria also made an encouraging start to the World Cup, beating Jordan 3-1 to join Argentina at the top of Group J. by Guillermo Barros, AFP
Lionel Messi, Argentina, Austria, World Cup 2026, Miroslav Klose, Kylian Mbappé, Kansas City, Dallas Stadium, Jorge Messi, Pablo Aimar, Ralf Rangnick