Messi makes history with hat-trick as Argentina cruise past Algeria in World Cup opener

Lionel Messi delivered a performance for the ages on Tuesday night, scoring a remarkable hat-trick as defending champions Argentina began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.

The Argentine captain marked his 200th senior international appearance in spectacular fashion, leading La Albiceleste to a convincing opening win in Group J before a crowd of more than 69,000 spectators.

The historic treble saw Messi draw level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, further cementing his place among football’s greatest players.

Speaking after the match, Messi expressed delight at the achievement but stressed the importance of securing all three points in Argentina’s title defence.

“The record is special, especially on my 200th appearance for Argentina, but the most important thing is that we started the tournament with a strong victory,” he said.

Argentina dominated possession from the outset and took the lead in the 17th minute through a trademark strike from Messi. Receiving the ball outside the penalty area, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner turned sharply before curling a precise left-footed effort beyond Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

Despite Algeria’s determined defensive display, Argentina doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. A powerful effort from Alexis Mac Allister was spilled by Zidane, allowing Messi to react quickest and slot home from close range in the 60th minute.

Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, driving at the Algerian defence before cutting inside and bending another superb shot into the far corner to seal the victory and register the 61st hat-trick of his professional career.

The night carried additional significance for the Argentine legend. The match came exactly 20 years after he scored his first World Cup goal at the 2006 tournament, while also making him the first male footballer to feature in six FIFA World Cup editions.

The three goals moved Messi past Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário, who scored 15 World Cup goals, and alongside Klose at the summit of the tournament’s all-time scoring chart.

Argentina’s victory capped a memorable day of World Cup action. Earlier, Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener.

The result puts Argentina in a strong position at the top of Group J as they continue their quest to retain the World Cup title won in Qatar. Their next assignment will be against Austria on June 22, where Messi will have the opportunity to become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history.

With another record-breaking display on football’s biggest stage, Messi once again demonstrated why he remains one of the defining figures of the modern game.