Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul make MLS history together in World Cup win
KANSAS CITY, MO Its safe to say Rodrigo De Paul has a connection with Lionel Messi.Messi led Argentina to glory with a 3-0 win over Algeria in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, June 16. Messi netted a hat trick, which helped him tie the all-time goal scoring record in World Cup history.Hes an animal, De Paul told DSports. What makes me happiest is I feel that hes enjoying it, that he doesnt feel that pressure that he had for so long.The first goal was set up by De Paul. He received the ball at the halfway mark and perfectly played a pass between four Algerian players.Messi collected the ball and turned. He took several dribbles before rotating the ball to his favored left foot. He drilled a shot to the corner of the net coming off of Algerian keeper Luca Zidane's finger tips and into the net. Arrowhead Stadium exploded in appreciation for Messi.Messi's opening strike came in the 17th minute of play. The two Inter Miami players celebrated together enjoying the teams opening goal of the tournament.Its hard to explain. We are amazed with him (Messi) even though we see him on a daily basis, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. Hes been the best for 20 years, he still pulls it off every single match. You dont have to be an Argentine fan to admire him at age 38.It was the first time, outside of the United State national team, that two MLS players combined for a goal in World Cup history.Five of De Pauls last seven assists have scored Messi a goal for both club and country since November 2025.When De Paul made his transfer to Miami, Scaloni was not discouraged at him making the move to the MLS from Atltico Madrid.When he left for Inter (Miami), we are not interested in the leagues, Scaloni said. "We care about the growth. He is playing at a very good level, his physicality is very good. When he plays with the people he knows, he plays well.During the first hydration break, Scaloni spoke to De Paul. He wanted more out of him when it came to intensity and focus. The conversation came mere minutes after Messis opening goal. De Paul delivered meeting his coachs demands by playing all 90 minutes.He is very decisive, Scaloni said. When he relaxes, we all feel it. I asked him to give a little more. I am happy because I never hesitated to have him play in the game.In the stands, MLS commissioner Don Garber watched on as Messi made history and De Paul produced another strong performance.MLS is a league that represents the rest of the world, Garber said. When I watch Argentina play, I might love the way that they play and love that they are world champions. But, Leo Messi and Rodrigo De Paul play for an MLS team in Miami and they are representing our league.In the midst of Messi madness, his teammates are playing with smiles on their faces, too. When Argentina plays with joy together, the team is unstoppable, a version they showed four years ago.In the first game of Argentina's World Cup title defense, De Paul met the moment with a precise pass setting Messis record night into motion."We all know his mentality, and he doesnt let himself enjoy it much because hes focused on helping us, the team." De Paul said. "I think hes good, happy, and I think thats contagious in the group."Liam Keating covers the World Cup in Kansas City for USA TODAY. He also covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at LKeating@gannett.comThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rodrigo De Paul, Messi combine for historic goal for Argentina, MLS
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