Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest icons after producing a sensational hat trick to guide Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The reigning world champions began the defence of their global crown with a dominant performance at Kansas City Stadium, where more than 69,000 spectators witnessed another historic chapter in Messi’s legendary career. The 38-year-old captain scored all three goals for Argentina, moving level with German legend Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals and placing himself within touching distance of becoming the tournament’s outright leading scorer.
While the final scoreline suggested a comfortable evening for Lionel Scaloni’s men, the contest started with plenty of tension and uncertainty. Argentina thought they had taken the lead as early as the fifth minute when Messi found the back of the net following a swift counterattack. However, the goal was ruled out after Lautaro Martinez was judged offside during the build-up.
Algeria responded immediately and almost punished the South Americans. Farès Chaïbi broke through Argentina’s defence and finished clinically past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the eighth minute. Celebrations among the Algerian supporters were cut short moments later after a VAR review confirmed Chaïbi had also drifted into an offside position before scoring.
The two disallowed goals set the tone for a lively opening period, with both sides searching for the breakthrough. Algeria showed courage and attacking intent, refusing to be intimidated by the defending champions. Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza attempted to create opportunities for the North African side, but Argentina gradually gained control through the quality of their midfield.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute through the man who has defined Argentine football for nearly two decades. Rodrigo De Paul produced an excellent through ball that split the Algerian defence and released Messi into space. The veteran forward needed no second invitation as he unleashed a brilliant strike into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane to make it 1-0.
The goal carried enormous historical significance. It marked Messi’s fifth different World Cup tournament in which he has scored and came exactly 20 years after his first World Cup goal on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina continued to dictate possession after the opener, although Algeria remained competitive and prevented the South Americans from creating numerous clear-cut opportunities before halftime.
The second half saw Argentina increase the intensity and eventually put the game beyond their opponents. In the 59th minute, Alexis Mac Allister tested Zidane with a powerful long-range effort. The Algerian goalkeeper managed to parry the shot, but the rebound fell perfectly for Messi, who reacted quickest to slot home his second goal of the evening and extend Argentina’s lead to 2-0.
The goal effectively ended Algeria’s hopes of staging a comeback. Despite enjoying respectable spells of possession throughout the match, the Fennecs struggled to create meaningful chances in the final third. Argentina’s defensive unit, led by Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, remained organised and disciplined, ensuring Emiliano Martinez enjoyed a relatively quiet evening.
Messi completed his historic hat trick in the 77th minute. Substitute Nicolas Gonzalez delivered a perfectly weighted pass inside the penalty area, and the Argentine captain calmly guided a left-footed finish into the net to seal a memorable 3-0 victory.
The three-goal performance represented Messi’s first-ever World Cup hat trick and his 911th career goal for club and country. It also strengthened his position among the greatest players in football history, with many observers viewing the display as another reminder of his enduring brilliance despite being in the latter stages of his remarkable career.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was full of praise for his captain after the match, highlighting the continued impact Messi has on the national team.
The victory gives Argentina an ideal start in Group J and reinforces their status as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy once again. The champions displayed resilience during difficult moments and clinical efficiency when opportunities emerged.
For Algeria, the defeat was disappointing but not entirely reflective of their effort. Vladimir Petkovic’s side competed well during large periods of the contest and matched Argentina in possession for significant stretches. However, their inability to register a single shot on target ultimately underlined the difference in quality between the two teams.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Messi. With 16 World Cup goals to his name, he now stands level with Klose and needs only one more strike to become the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
If this opening performance is any indication, the Argentine legend may not have to wait long to claim another record.
Goals Scorers: 27′ Lionel Messi (Argentina) 1-0 59′ Lionel Messi (Argentina) 2-0 77′ Lionel Messi (Argentina) 3-0
Final Score: Argentina 3-0 Algeria
