Read 3 minutes17 June 2026 11:13 AM IST
After scoring a blockbuster hat-trick against Algeria on Argentina’s opening night at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi revealed he is drawing inspiration from An Unlikely Corner, a Netflix documentary series featuring the tennis legend.
After Argentina won 3-0 on the strength of his first World Cup hat-trick in the 200th international, Messi revealed that he was inspired by Rafael Nadal’s journey through the lens of his four-part documentary, released on May 29 this year.
Despite injury concerns in the lead-up to the World Cup, Messi put all worries to rest when he scored his opening goal in the 17th match with a curling shot into the right corner of the Algerian goal.
Also read | Most international hat-tricks: Messi overtakes Ronaldo in Argentina’s WC 2026 opener
After tripling his tally in the 76th minute for his first World Cup hat-trick, Messi set several major records, including surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo for the most international hat-tricks in men’s football (11*) and tying the World Cup record for most goals (16).
Messi on Nadal: We are equal
The relentless pursuit of success has brought the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner closer to the legendary career of Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slams during his pro career that ended at 38, the same age as Messi today.
Also read | Messi, Messi, Messi: That familiar World Cup mantra resumed after Argentina’s 3-0 win
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“I’ve loved playing football since I was a kid, and when I feel like it, I give it my all. I’ve been watching the Rafa Nadal documentary; I think we’re very similar in that sense. We always want to give our maximum.” This is what Messi said in an interview after the victory.
The legend of Messi will be crying after recording 😢 pic.twitter.com/OwmmDrSb0o
— Messi World (@M10GOAT) 17 June 2026
Messi’s emotional goal
The broadcast also showed footage of Messi tearing up after scoring the first goal of the night for the reigning world champions. Asked the reason behind his emotional reaction, Messi said: “It has nothing to do with football.
“I’ve been through hard times.”
“I’ve had some difficult, complicated days, completely unrelated to the game,” Messi told reporters.
“I am thankful to the entire delegation, to my colleagues. They put in a lot of effort to ensure that I do well,” he added.
Argentina next face Austria in Group J on June 22, followed by their final group game against Jordan on June 28.