Zinedine Zidane’s son makes World Cup history before conceding three goals to Lionel Messi

Luca Zidane followed in his father’s footsteps by appearing at the World Cup on Tuesday night.

However, the Algeria goalkeeper suffered a day to forget on his tournament debut as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 3-0 victory in Kansas City.

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His treble saw the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner pull level with Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.

It was also an historic night for Zidane, though, despite the result.

By featuring in goal for Algeria, he became part of the 27th father-son duo in tournament history.

His father Zinedine Zidane featured at three World Cups for France between 1998 and 2006.

As well as winning the first of those on home soil, he also reached the final 20 years ago.

However, the final defeat to Italy in 2006 would be Zidane’s last match before retirement.

His farewell also ended in infamy after the midfielder was sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi.

Although the pair are the 27th father and son duo to play at the World Cup, they are only the second to do so for different nations.

Brazil’s Mazinho and Thiago Alcantara of Spain are the only others to hold the distinction.

Thiago was part of the Spain squad in 2018, whilst his father represented Brazil at two World Cups, including their 1994 triumph.

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This summer’s tournament has also seen the first instance of a mother-son duo.

New Zealand’s Tyler Bindon followed in his mum Jenny’s footsteps after she featured at the 2007 and 2011 Women’s World Cups.

Why does Zidane play for Algeria?

Unlike his father, Zidane represents Algeria after switching his international allegiance.

The 28-year-old previously represented France up to under-20 level after being born in Marseille.

However, he was eligible for the Fennecs through his paternal grandparents.

Zidane could have also played for Spain, having qualified for the 2010 World Cup winners through his mother.

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His appearance against Argentina earned the Granada stopper his eighth cap for Algeria.

In contrast, his father scored 31 goals in 108 caps for France, although he could also have played for the African nation.

Zidane joined Granada in 2024 after spells with Rayo Vallecano and Eibar, having started his career with Real Madrid.

He was even handed his LaLiga debut by his father in 2018, one of two first-team appearances for Los Blancos.

Why was Zidane wearing a mask?

The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes wearing protective headgear.

This is because he suffered a severe facial injury shortly before the World Cup that threatened to derail his tournament.

He fractured his jaw and chin, and suffered a severe concussion against Almeria in April.

That ruled him out of the rest of the domestic season and required surgery.