New Delhi, June 27 -- Lionel Messi started his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in style, scoring all of Argentina's five goals as the defending champions began their title quest in the United States. Making his sixth World Cup appearance, the Argentine skipper, Messi, started with a maiden World Cup hattrick against Algeria, followed by two more against Austria which made him the all-time leading goal scorer, past Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Uruguayan star Luis Suarez, who was snubbed by Marcelo Bielsa in this World Cup, wasn't surprised with Messi's self-demand, having known the Argentina captain both personally and professionally for several years.

"I text him and insult him after matches. I tell him: 'Enough!' There are no words, no way t...