Argentina s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second goal against Algeria in the second half in a FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUSA KAN20260616922 CHRISTIANxBRUNSKILL
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass as Argentina began their FIFA World Cup 2026 title defence with a convincing 3–0 victory over Algeria.
The Argentine captain scored all three goals, recording the first World Cup hat trick of his illustrious career and reminding the football world why he remains one of the game’s greatest players.
Messi nearly opened the scoring inside the opening minutes, only for an offside flag to deny him. However, he would not have to wait long to make his mark. Just after the quarter hour, the Inter Miami star unleashed a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner, giving Argentina a deserved lead.
Argentina continued to control the contest, and Messi doubled the advantage shortly after the hour mark. Following a shot from Alexis Mac Allister that was not properly handled by Algeria goalkeeper Zidane, Messi reacted quickest to convert from close range.
The 39 year old completed his hat trick with 14 minutes remaining, producing another trademark finish from outside the area to seal an emphatic victory.
While Algeria battled hard defensively, they struggled to create clear opportunities, finishing the match with just 0.31 expected goals compared to Argentina’s 1.23. The scoreline reflected Argentina’s superiority and the difference made by a player capable of turning tight contests into comfortable victories.
The result gives Argentina the perfect start to their Group J campaign and puts Messi level with Miroslav Klose on the World Cup’s all time scoring chart. He now has the chance to become the tournament’s outright leading scorer when Argentina face Austria in their next match.
For Algeria, attention now turns to their crucial upcoming fixture against Jordan as they look to bounce back from a difficult opening game.
