World Cup 2026: Haaland calls Messi 'madman' after hat-trick against Algeria

Norwegian forward Erling Haaland referred to Lionel Messi as a 'madman' after the Argentine legend scored a hat-trick in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria. Argentina, the reigning champions, won 3-0. Haaland expressed his admiration on Snapchat just hours after making his World Cup debut for Norway, scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over Iraq. Messi also equalled Miroslav Klose's goal tally in the World Cup, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in tournament history.