Lionel Messi opens up World Cup with hat trick to answer back Kylian Mbappe — and then some

World Cup 2026 Soccer Lionel Messi opens up World Cup with hat trick to answer back Kylian Mbappe — and then some By Ryan Giancola Published June 16, 2026, 11:02 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Anything you do, I can do better. Just hours after France star Kylian Mbappé jumped Lionel Messi for the third-most goals scored in World Cup history at 13, the Argentine answered back — three times. Messi opened up his first game at the 2026 World Cup with a hat trick in a brilliant performance in Kansas City. In the 17th minute, a pass from the back line found Messi in stride, and he cut through the defense.

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