Messi Luncurkan Hat-Trick, Argentina Kalahkan Algeria 3-0

On Rabu 17 Juni 2026, Argentina faced Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. The match ended 3-0 in favor of Argentina, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick. This performance silenced critics who feared Messi would be finished at 39 tahun.

Rodrigo de Paul, midfielder for the Argentine national team, praised Messi's mentality. He described the forward as a wild animal on the field.

De Paul menyebut Messi, yang dikenal dengan julukan La Pulga, seperti binatang buas saat di lapangan.

“Dia itu binatang buas. Hal yang paling membuat saya senang adalah saya merasa sekarang dia menikmatinya,” ujar De Paul.

De Paul added that Messi no longer feels the heavy burden he once carried. “Dia tak lagi merasakan beban dari tekanan yang dia telah rasakan begitu lama. Semua orang tahu mentalitasnya. Dia tak membiarnya dia terlalu banyak menikmati segala sesuatu karena dia selalu fokus membantu kami dan tim.”

He also noted Messi’s happiness is contagious. “Tapi saya sekarang melihatnya baik‑baik saja, saya melihat dia bahagia. Itu menular ke grup ini,” imbuhnya.

Messi’s display shows he still has the energy and focus that define his career, and his teammates appreciate his calm and supportive attitude.