Two Inter Miami teammates made Major League Soccer history on Tuesday as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Lionel Messi scored a hat trick, tying the all-time World Cup goal-scoring record. His opening strike in the 17th minute was assisted by Rodrigo De Paul.
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According to USA TODAY, this marked the first time in World Cup history that two MLS players from a non-United States national team combined to score a goal.
De Paul, who transferred to Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid, has now assisted five of Messi's last seven goals for both club and country since November 2025.
Messi's Enjoyment and Scaloni's Praise
"He's an animal," De Paul told DSports, noting that Messi is enjoying his time on the pitch without the heavy pressure he carried for a long time.
"What makes me happiest is I feel that he's enjoying it, that he doesn't feel that pressure that he had for so long," De Paul said, as reported by USA TODAY.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his continuous admiration for the 38-year-old captain, who is defending Argentina's World Cup title alongside a supportive squad.
"It's hard to explain. We are amazed with him (Messi) even though we see him on a daily basis," Scaloni said.
Scaloni noted that Messi has maintained his status at the highest level of football for two decades.
