The opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup painted two vastly different pictures for football's biggest icons. While Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a masterclass hat-trick, Cristiano Ronaldo's major tournament drought extended to 10 games. Photo: IANS
For years fans have been split between who is the better footballer between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but after the first round of the Fifa World Cup 2026, the debate may be over.
The two icons have dominated football for nearly two decades, shattering records and collecting trophies at a rate never before seen in the sport. Yet, as they enter what is likely to be their final World Cup appearances, their opening performances in North America painted very different pictures.
Messi delivered a masterclass as defending champions Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria. The 38-year-old scored all three goals, registering the first World Cup hat-trick of his legendary career and equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
More importantly, Messi completely controlled the match. Every dangerous Argentine attack flowed through him, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner dictating the tempo, creating opportunities and providing the leadership expected from a reigning world champion. It was the kind of performance that reminded football fans why Argentina remain among the favourites to retain their crown.
