Lionel Messi netted his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina recorded a 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J.
The Inter Miami No.10 showed absolutely no sign of weariness at the age of 38 as he tormented the Algerians, even netting a fourth goal which was unfortunately deemed offside.
Messi is now tied with the legendary Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals – and is just a single strike away from becoming the outright top scorer at the World Cup.
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However, none of this would have happened had the South American stuck to his decision to retire from international football in 2016 – a call he later reversed due to his sheer love for Argentina.
Lionel Messi reversed 2016 retirement out of love for Argentina
The former Barcelona star announced his retirement from international football back in June 2016 after missing his penalty in the shootout, as Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final that year.
It was a fourth major final defeat in nine years for Messi with Argentina, and he had simply had enough. As quoted by BBC Sport, the South American said at the time: “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion. It’s been four finals, I tried.
“It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over. I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, then for everyone.
“I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it. It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.”
However, Messi – who could have been sent off against Algeria – did eventually return to the Argentina side in August 2016, citing his love for his country as the primary reason.
As quoted by the Guardian, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I see there are many problems in Argentinian football and I don’t intend to create another one. I don’t want to cause any damage, I’ve always tried to do just the opposite, to help all that I can.
“We need to fix many things in Argentinian football, but I prefer to do this from inside and not criticise from outside. Many things went through my head the day of the last final and I seriously thought of leaving, but I love this country and this shirt too much. I’m grateful to all the people who wanted me to continue playing with Argentina, hopefully we can give them something to cheer about soon.”
Messi – who could win the Super Ballon d’Or in 2029 – ended up doing exactly that.
Five years after reversing his decision to retire, the Argentine led his country to the 2021 Copa America, before securing the ultimate prize in 2022 as Argentina won the World Cup.
Not only that, but Messi secured another Copa America title in 2024.
Individually, the former PSG maestro can also now boast a quite remarkable record of 120 goals in his 200 appearances for Argentina.
However, it all could have been so different for Messi had he stuck by his decision to retire from international football in 2016.
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