# French Football: Lionel Messi Scores Hat-Trick in Ligue 1, Becoming First Old Foreigner to Do So
Lionel Messi etched his name into French football history on Saturday, becoming the first non-French player to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1. The Argentine maestro, now playing for Inter Miami, achieved the feat during a thrilling 4-4 draw against Toulouse in the French top-tier league.
The match, held at the Stade de France, saw Messi deliver a masterclass. He opened the scoring with a stunning strike in the 14th minute, then added a second goal in the 43rd minute with a clinical finish. His third goal came in the 66th minute, completing his hat-trick and securing his place in the spotlight. Despite Toulouse’s late equalizer, Messi’s performance overshadowed the game.
At 35 years old, Messi is well beyond the typical prime years for a footballer, yet he continues to defy expectations. His ability to adapt to a new league and culture has been remarkable, and his impact on Ligue 1 has been nothing short of transformative.
Didier Deschamps, the former France manager, praised Messi’s achievement, stating: “Messi is a phenomenon. He has the quality to do things that others can only dream of. His hat-trick shows the world why he is one of the best players to ever play the game.”
Fans and experts alike have marveled at Messi’s consistency and leadership on the field. His hat-trick not only highlighted his technical prowess but also his ability to inspire his team when the stakes are high.
This moment, however, is not just about Messi’s individual brilliance. It also raises questions about the role of foreign players in French football. While the league has always welcomed top-tier talent, the sight of a veteran like Messi dominating the competition underscores the global appeal of the sport and the willingness of clubs to invest in star power.
As the season continues, Messi’s legacy in France grows stronger. His hat-trick against Toulouse is sure to be remembered as a defining moment in his career—and perhaps even in the history of Ligue 1. For now, the debate rages on: is Messi the greatest foreign player to ever play in France? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: he has already redefined what it means to be a foreign star in French football.