After substitution, Messi refuses a place on the bench and sits on the lawn
Lionel Messi, after scoring three goals in the match against Algeria, refused a place on the bench and sat on the pitch, generating admiration among the fans.
Striker Lionel Messi's attitude after being substituted in the 2026 World Cup game between Argentina and Algeria (3-0) delighted fans around the world. The "Albiceleste" captain scored a hat-trick — scoring goals in the 17th minute (assisted by Rodrigo De Paul), 60th and 76th minute (assisted by Nicolás González) — and left the field in the 80th minute, giving way to Nico Paz. As there were no places available on the bench, striker Thiago Almada offered his place to the 38-year-old star. However, the eight-time "Ballon d'Or" winner refused and chose to sit on the pitch, alongside his teammates. Messi now equals former German national team striker Miroslav Klose, with 16 goals in World Cups, repeating the all-time record for goals in world tournaments.
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