Kansas City: Lionel Messi once again etched his name into football history, scoring a sensational hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J. The Argentine captain’s masterclass not only secured all three points for his team but also saw him equal German legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time men’s World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
Playing in his record sixth FIFA World Cup and marking his 200th appearance for Argentina, the 38-year-old delivered a performance that silenced any lingering doubts about his ability to influence matches at the highest level. Messi found the net three times, producing a vintage display of skill, movement and finishing that left Algeria struggling to contain him.
Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle and appeared to take an early lead through Messi, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The setback did little to affect the reigning world champions, who continued to control the game before Messi eventually broke the deadlock. He added two more goals in the second half to complete the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.
The historic treble moved Messi level with Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals. The Argentine superstar also became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history, adding another remarkable milestone to a career already filled with records and achievements.
Argentina’s victory sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament as they begin their title defence. Having experienced difficult starts in previous World Cups, Lionel Scaloni’s side looked composed, clinical and confident throughout the contest. Midfielders Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul played key roles in controlling the tempo, while the defence comfortably dealt with Algeria’s attacking threats.
For Algeria, the defeat was a disappointing start to their campaign. Despite moments of promise, they struggled to create clear opportunities against a disciplined Argentine side. The North Africans will now look to bounce back in their next group match as they attempt to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The performance further strengthened Messi’s status as one of the greatest players in football history. Exactly two decades after scoring his first World Cup goal, he once again proved decisive on the sport’s biggest stage, inspiring Argentina and thrilling fans around the world. With the record now matched, attention will turn to whether Messi can surpass Klose’s mark as the tournament progresses.
Argentina will next face Austria in a crucial Group J encounter, while Algeria take on Jordan as both teams continue their World Cup journey.
