Watch: Young fan teaches Lionel Messi a new celebration after historic World Cup hat-trick

Lionel Messi with a young fan. (Download video) Lionel Messi has already kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a historic hat-trick against Algeria, but it’s a heartwarming moment off the pitch involving a young fan that has now captured the imagination of football lovers around the world.A viral video doing the rounds on social media shows the Argentina captain interacting with fans and posing. But what stood out was an adorable exchange with a young fan who enthusiastically showed off a dance move and appeared to teach Messi a new goal celebration. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner watched intently with a smile, prompting widespread speculation among fans whether he might reveal the move after his next goal.

Historic hat-trick puts Messi on the brink of another record

Messi got Argentina’s title defense off to a sensational start, scoring all three goals in a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. It was the first World Cup hat-trick of his glittering career, making the 38-year-old the oldest player to do so in the history of the tournament.In an emotional opening, Messi wiped away tears with his shirt before celebrating with his teammates.“My tears after the first goal? I had difficult days. It was not related to football. I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me,” Messi said after the match.His three-goal haul also took him to 16 goals at the World Cup, equaling German legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. One more strike will make the Argentine superstar the undisputed top scorer in World Cup history.WATCH: Young fan teaches Messi new goal celebration

“I’m at a loss for words” – Scaloni calls his captain

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was left in awe of his talisman.“I’m at a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He’s incredible,” Scaloni said.

Which achievement is more important to Messi?

Messi’s hat-trick came exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut and marked the 61st hat-trick of his career.“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I’m going through now is the cherry on top,” Messi said.As Argentina prepare for their next challenge, fans now have another question to ponder: if Messi scores his record 17th World Cup goal, will the legendary top ten celebrate the dance move taught to him by his youngest coach?