Lionel Messi reveals fresh inspiration after Argentina hat-trick – “We’re very similar” | OneFootball

The World Cup was set alight by Lionel Messi on Tuesday night, after he made his debut in the 2026 tournament with a remarkable hat-trick. Inspiring Argentina to a 3-0 win in their opening game against Algeria, Messi has revealed that he has a fresh inspiration of his own.

Amid doubts over how Messi would hold up physically, and whether he remained at the same level after several seasons in Major League Soccer, the 38-year-old did as much as he could have to cast aside all doubts.

Messi reveals Rafael Nadal inspiration

Speaking after the match in the mix zone to MD, Messi revealed that he and his Argentina teammates were currently watching a new biopic [RAFA] on Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.

“I love playing football, it’s been my passion since I was little and when I’m feeling good I give it my all. We’re watching Rafa Nadal’s series right now and I identify with him a lot, I think we’re very similar in that sense, that I always want to give my all and I want to feel good and I enjoy it that way. As long as I can and am well enough to do it, we’ll be there.”

Messi’s milestones against Algeria

It was an historic night for Messi, who scored on his 200th appearance for the Albiceleste. It also took level on 16 goals for the all-time top goalscorer at the World Cup with Miroslav Klose, a record he will no doubt hope to break in Argentina’s remaining games. His sixth World Cup, it was also the fifth that he has scored in, taking him level with Cristiano Ronaldo in that regard. The reigning world champions are next in action on Monday against Austria in their second group game, with both sides going into it on three points.