KANSAS CITY, United States, June 16, 2026 (ePRESS) — Lionel Messi produced another World Cup masterpiece with a stunning hat-trick as defending champions Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener on Tuesday, while the veteran superstar equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
The 38-year-old captain silenced any doubts about his influence by delivering a dominant performance in his 200th international appearance. Messi also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, exactly 20 years after netting his first goal in football’s biggest tournament.
Messi thought he had opened the scoring inside five minutes, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Algeria also had an early goal disallowed when Fares Chaibi found the net moments later.
The breakthrough finally came in the 17th minute. Rodrigo De Paul slipped a precise pass through the Algerian defence and Messi surged forward before unleashing a powerful strike from around 25 yards that flew into the top corner despite goalkeeper Luca Zidane getting a touch.
Argentina controlled possession and continued to threaten, with Messi at the centre of every dangerous move.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner doubled the lead in the 60th minute after Zidane failed to hold a long-range effort from Alexis Mac Allister. Messi reacted quickest to calmly guide the loose ball into the net.
Mac Allister praised his captain after the match.
“There are no words to describe it,” he said. “If anyone thought this team was better without Leo, today showed that Leo is the most important player of all.”
Messi completed his memorable hat-trick in the 76th minute. Substitute Nico Gonzalez set him up and the Argentine legend hammered another unstoppable shot beyond Zidane to seal victory.
Algerian defender Aissa Mandi admitted his side had no answer to Messi’s brilliance.
“What makes the difference is they have a player who doesn’t forgive,” Mandi said. “Almost every chance ends up in the back of the net. We tried to limit him, but it didn’t work.”
There was controversy in the first half when Algeria appealed for a red card after Messi stepped on Mandi’s calf, but the referee took no action.
Argentina arrived at the tournament carrying questions over their form and quality of opposition faced in recent years. However, Lionel Scaloni’s side swept aside those concerns with a composed and commanding display.
The South Americans are chasing a historic feat as they attempt to become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
The victory puts Argentina in a strong position ahead of their next Group J match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, while Algeria will face Jordan in Santa Clara.
