Messi Donates Hat-Trick Ball to Barcelona Collection After World Cup Opener

Lionel Messi has added another memorable keepsake to his personal collection after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria. The Argentine star retained the match ball, which he plans to have signed by his teammates before placing it in his home near Barcelona. The ball was retrieved by Argentina’s kit staff after the final whistle, and Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, personally carried it out of the stadium in Kansas City shortly before midnight.

Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, were present in the stands to witness his stellar performance. The following morning, Argentina’s squad focused on recovery during a training session in Kansas City. Messi, along with regular starters like Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Lautaro Martínez, and Thiago Almada, worked with recovery staff after logging heavy minutes in the match.

Meanwhile, players who had less game time engaged in a more intensive workout, which included possession drills, pressing exercises, and a foot-tennis match. With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, some players utilized cooling vests and insulated recovery boots to manage the heat after training. These measures are part of coach Lionel Scaloni’s strategy to prioritize rest and physical recovery during the tournament.

The day after the match also marked Argentina’s second Family Day of the World Cup. Players were allowed to leave the team hotel and spend the afternoon with their families. Many chose to relax at a nearby pool, including Nico Tagliafico’s wife, Caro Calvagni, and Enzo Fernández’s wife and children. Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez spent time with his family, while Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, and other squad members were photographed enjoying the day with loved ones.

Argentina’s next match is scheduled against Austria in Dallas on June 22.