'We have to enjoy him' - Messi rolls back the clock for Argentina to start 'last dance' in style - ESPN

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It was a record-breaking start for Lionel Messi in the opening match Tuesday of what can be considered "El ultimo tango" (the last dance).

With the majority of Arrowhead Stadium chanting his name and bowing, Messi became the first player to actively participate in six FIFA World Cups as he was featured for 80 minutes and scored a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria to put his name in the history books. The Albiceleste captain also tied the record for most goals in World Cup history with retired Germany legend Miroslav Klose (16), while equaling Klose for most wins in the tournament (17).

For him, though, it's just numbers.

«It's an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo [the Brazil striker, who had 15], who is also there. But it doesn't mean anything,» Messi said after the game.

Still, Argentina supporters and Messi fans around the world had waited almost four years for this moment, hoping the 38-year-old would take part in the World Cup again. Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006 as a teenager with long hair and a dream, but after winning the trophy at Qatar in 2022 for the first time, he has a new mission: defend the title with everything he's got.

«He's been in different conditions and has always been here,» Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Monday. «He's always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more.»

It wasn't entirely clear if Messi would make it to the 2026 tournament. He never explicitly confirmed his intention to participate during the months leading up to the tournament; instead, he expressed cautious optimism but always cited his health as the ultimate deciding factor.

«I'm trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with