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Lionel Messi has shared insights into the motivation behind his continued brilliance after leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Inter Miami forward scored a remarkable hat-trick, matching the all-time record for World Cup goals, and later credited tennis icon Rafael Nadal as a major influence on his mindset.

Nadal’s influence on Messi’s mindset

Approaching his 39th birthday, Messi displayed no signs of decline as he dismantled the Algerian defence in Kansas City. Speaking to ESPN after the match, the Inter Miami star revealed that he has been finding fresh inspiration from another sporting great to sustain his elite performances on football’s biggest stage.

“I’m enjoying this, I feel very good and happy on the pitch,” said Messi. “I’ve loved football since childhood, and I always give everything I have. We’re watching a series about Rafael Nadal right now, and I relate to him in that sense — giving everything and enjoying what you do.”

Matching Klose and recognising the legends

With his stunning hat-trick, Messi drew level with German legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart. While the world celebrated this milestone, the Argentina captain remained characteristically humble when asked about his standing among football’s greatest goal scorers.

“I don’t focus on the goals or the records… It’s an honour to be alongside Klose, Ronaldo is there too, and [Kylian] Mbappe, who scored two today, but these are just statistics,” Messi said. “Ronaldo was one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen, and he’s not first. You always try to give your best. I didn’t watch the goals on TV; I was celebrating with my teammates and family. I’ll watch them properly later.”

Despite the final scoreline suggesting a comfortable win, Messi admitted that Argentina’s clash with Algeria was not easy in the early stages. Reflecting on the match, he pointed out the growing competitiveness of modern international football.

“They have quality players, they’re dynamic, and while we tried to control the game, we struggled with possession, especially in the first half,” Messi noted. “You can see in this World Cup that every team is well-prepared and strong — no one gives anything away.”

From heartbreak to triumph

Looking back on his journey with the national side, Messi reflected on the emotional highs and lows — from painful final defeats to the current period of success under Lionel Scaloni. He acknowledged that the mood in Argentina has changed significantly since their World Cup triumph in Qatar and victories at the Copa America.

“There were good times and bad times, many bad times, but thankfully things changed, and now I enjoy playing for the national team differently,” he said. “In Argentina, we’re very results-driven. We lost three finals in a row, and that team was judged by that. After winning, everything we’ve achieved since is valued much more — with a World Cup and two Copa Americas.”

He added: “Thank you to all the Argentinians for coming and supporting us, just as they did in Qatar.”

Staying fit and focused on the future

Now playing in his sixth World Cup, Messi continues to show exceptional fitness and determination. When asked about the possibility of competing in a seventh tournament in 2030, he laughed but reiterated that his dedication remains as strong as ever through his time in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

“I felt good and prepared myself as best as possible to match my teammates’ level,” he said. “Everything that comes next is for me to enjoy; I still want to compete. In Miami, I’ve never stopped pushing myself, striving for more, giving my best, and staying mentally and physically sharp. I know only two teams have ever won back-to-back World Cups, but we must keep working hard, giving everything for the group — and we’ll see what happens.”

What lies ahead for Argentina at the World Cup?