Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat trick receives high praise from USMNT

Messi’s Hat-Trick Enchants U.S. Team During World Cup Opener

IRVINE, Calif. — On Tuesday evening, the U.S. men’s national team gathered at their hotel in Laguna Niguel, where the usual pressures associated with representing their country during the home World Cup seemed to fade away.

As they shared dinner, players huddled around a television, eager to watch defending champions Argentina take on Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s opening match.

By the game’s end, though, it was clear that these elite athletes were not just focused on their own ambitions. They looked like kids relishing the thrill of watching their favorite superhero save the day.

This was largely due to Lionel Messi, the star forward for Inter Miami, who put on an incredible performance, scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 win, thereby notching 16 World Cup goals. This impressive tally ties him with German icon Miroslav Klose, and Messi’s next goal will elevate him to even greater heights in football history.

“Messi played really well and got a hat-trick. Argentina continues to show that they want to defend the trophy. We enjoyed being fans,” remarked left-back Anthony “Jedi” Robinson when asked about their experience watching the game. “For the fans, obviously, Messi is probably the greatest footballer ever. It was amazing to see him still performing at such a high level.”

In a media release with the U.S. team the following day, the word “fans” repeatedly surfaced.

It wasn’t about rivals or competition, but simply the joy of being fans.

Even during the World Cup, where every player dreams of lifting that coveted trophy, there are moments when the sport’s top talents remind everyone why they fell in love with football in the first place.

Midfielder Brenden Aaronson expressed the excitement in the U.S. camp, noting that the admiration for Messi’s hat trick was evident.

“Watching Messi score really makes me feel like a fanboy,” Aaronson shared. “But if Argentina comes our way, we’ll be ready. It’s just fun to take it all in.”

Picture the scene at the team dinner: forks paused mid-motion, conversations momentarily forgotten, as each time Messi skillfully maneuvered past defenders, heads turned toward the screen. The group of soccer enthusiasts morphed into excited fans witnessing history unfold.

That’s the essence of Messi, his undeniable charm and ability to captivate.

Interestingly, many of these American players might find themselves sharing the field with him as the tournament progresses. If the U.S. continues its strong performance, a clash with Argentina could be on the horizon.

And in that case? Well, fanboy moments might just be a thing of the past.

At an age when most players have long hung up their international boots, Messi is still in the game, continuing to break records while reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest.