Messi Scores Hat Trick as Argentina Defeats Algeria 3-0 in World Cup Opener

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick for Argentina in a 3-0 Group J victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026. The goals brought his career World Cup total to 16, matching Germany's Miroslav Klose for the all-time record. Messi, who turns 39 later in June, was playing his 200th international match and became the first player to appear in six World Cups.

His first goal came in the 17th minute after a through ball from Rodrigo De Paul. Messi struck from about 25 yards, the shot deflecting off goalkeeper Luca Zidane's fingertips into the top-right corner. Messi's second goal arrived in the 60th minute.

Alexis Mac Allister's low drive from 25 yards was fumbled by Zidane, and Messi tapped the loose ball into the net. He completed the hat trick in the 76th minute after substitute Nico Gonzalez provided the pass. An early Messi goal in the fifth minute was disallowed for offside.

Two minutes later, Algeria's Fares Chaibi had a goal ruled out for the same reason. Algeria supporters called for a red card after Messi stepped on Aissa Mandi's calf in the first half, but no sanction was issued. Luca Zidane, son of former France player Zinedine Zidane who attended the match, started in goal for Algeria.

Argentina is attempting to become the first men's team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962. The team opened its previous two World Cup campaigns with losses to Saudi Arabia in 2022.