Lionel Messi has credited Rafael Nadal with inspiring his record-breaking hat-trick at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing he watched a documentary on the Spanish tennis great hours before taking the pitch against Algeria.
The 38-year-old Argentina captain made history earlier this week in Kansas City, delivering a vintage performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a curling open-play effort before striking twice more in the 60th and 76th minutes, making him the oldest player to register a World Cup hat-trick and equalling German Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16 goals.
Messi detailed his pre-match routine, saying he identifies with Nadal in many ways, both being driven to give their maximum and feel good.
Nadal replied on Instagram, saying 'Thank you Leo, good luck for the World Cup!'
