Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, fueled by a hat trick from Lionel Messi. The performance drew significant praise from rival striker Erling Haaland, who openly expressed his admiration for the Argentinian captain. Haaland described Messi as “insane” in acknowledging the veteran player’s continued skill and impact on the game. This victory marks a strong start for Argentina as they begin their journey to defend their World Cup title. Messi’s hat trick underscores his ongoing importance to the national team despite his age. The match showcased Argentina’s offensive strength and Messi’s enduring ability to dominate on the field. Haaland’s comments highlight the respect Messi commands from players across the football world.