Overview
- Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup opening win over Algeria, becoming the oldest player to record a World Cup hat trick and tying several all-time scoring milestones.
- Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons attended the match in Kansas City and posted celebratory messages on Instagram that drew millions of engagements.
- The family has lived in Miami since Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, and this is the first World Cup in which Antonela and the children are resident in the host country, increasing their on-site visibility.
- Antonela combines a high-profile influencer career and brand deals, including work with Adidas and Kith, while the children are involved in Inter Miami’s youth programs, linking the family to U.S. soccer development.
- The result sets an early tone for Argentina’s title defense and raises immediate questions about Messi’s role and fitness going forward after pre-tournament hamstring concerns; attention will now turn to Argentina’s next group match and Messi’s pursuit of further records.