Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football history with a stunning hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup title defence with an emphatic victory over Algeria.
The Argentine captain, making his 200th appearance for the national team, scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and equalled the all-time World Cup scoring record in the process.
Messi’s three goals took his tally at World Cup finals to 16, drawing him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the competition’s joint-highest goalscorer. The feat added another remarkable chapter to the career of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Despite the convincing scoreline, Argentina were forced to work hard for the win at the Kansas City Stadium as they pursue the rare achievement of successfully defending the World Cup title. Only Italy and Brazil have previously managed the feat.
The victory was also historic for Argentina, marking the first time the three-time world champions have won their opening match at a World Cup as defending champions after suffering defeats in 1982 and 1990.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb curling effort. The 38-year-old collected a pass from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul before bending a precise strike beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane.
The match burst into life early, with both sides having goals disallowed within the opening stages. Messi also survived a potential disciplinary scare after a reckless challenge on Algeria’s Aissa Mandi midway through the first half went unpunished.
Argentina doubled their lead on the hour mark when Messi capitalised on a mistake by Zidane from close range. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after being set up by Nicolas Gonzalez. Having made a winning start in Group J, Argentina will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures against Austria and Jordan.
