FIFA Chief Infantino Hails Messi’s ‘Timeless Brilliance’ After Record-Equalling World Cup Feat

New Delhi, June 2026 : FIFA President Gianni Infantino has showered praise on Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record, describing the achievement as a testament to the forward’s “timeless brilliance.”

Messi etched his name deeper into football history during Argentina’s Group J opener against Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026, not only becoming the first male footballer to appear in six World Cup editions but also scoring a sensational hat-trick to draw level with German legend Klose on 16 World Cup goals.

The 38-year-old captain inspired defending champions Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 victory, with all three goals coming in a dazzling display that reminded fans why he remains one of the game’s greatest-ever players.

Infantino, who was present in the stands in Kansas City and was seen applauding Messi’s goals, took to social media to celebrate the Argentine icon’s latest milestone.

“@leomessi has arrived in style, scoring his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick! An amazing, capacity crowd witnessed greatness as the defending world champions got off to a winning start against Algeria,” Infantino wrote on Instagram.

Messi entered the match three goals behind Klose’s long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals. However, within 76 minutes, he had remarkably erased the deficit, matching a mark many believed would stand for years.

In a separate post, the FIFA chief offered further congratulations to the Argentine maestro.

“Congratulations to world champion Lionel Messi on scoring your 16th FIFA World Cup goal and equalling Miroslav Klose’s all-time goalscoring record. This record speaks of your timeless brilliance as you continue to spread happiness to millions around the world,” Infantino wrote.

The opening day of World Cup action also witnessed several other stellar performances. Earlier, France captain Kylian Mbappe scored twice in his side’s victory over Senegal, becoming France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals.

Meanwhile, Norway striker Erling Haaland enjoyed a dream World Cup debut, netting a brace to guide his team to a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq.

Reflecting on an action-packed day, Infantino hailed the quality of football on display and the electric atmosphere across stadiums.

“What a fantastic day of football at the FIFA World Cup! A hat-trick from Lionel Messi following braces from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in front of full stadiums and incredible atmospheres,” he said.

He added that the tournament is already “setting new records and bringing joy to fans all over the world.”

With Messi now level with Klose and chasing history, the World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in the legendary Argentine’s extraordinary career.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)