By Boluwatife Oshadiya | June 17, 2026
Key Points
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup opener
- The match marked Messi’s 200th international appearance and record sixth FIFA World Cup
- Argentina moved to the top of Group J with Austria and Jordan yet to play
Main Story
Argentina launched their FIFA World Cup title defence in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night, defeating Algeria 3-0 in Group J thanks to a historic hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi.
Playing in his 200th international match and becoming the first footballer to appear at six FIFA World Cups, Messi delivered a masterclass at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to hand the defending champions a perfect start to the tournament.
The match burst into life early, with both teams having goals ruled out for offside within the opening eight minutes. Messi eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute after latching onto a Rodrigo De Paul pass before firing a powerful left-footed effort into the top corner.
Argentina controlled possession for much of the contest, with Alexis Mac Allister and De Paul dictating play in midfield. Algeria struggled to create clear opportunities despite occasional threats from Farès Chaïbi.
Messi doubled Argentina’s advantage shortly after the hour mark when he reacted quickest after goalkeeper Luca Zidane spilled a long-range effort. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a clinical low finish from the edge of the area.
The treble was Messi’s first in World Cup competition and took his tournament tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The performance also made him the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.
What’s Being Said
“He is incredible. What he continues to do at this level is extraordinary,” Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said after the match.
“Messi answered every question with his performance. It was a historic night for Argentina and for the World Cup,” Reuters reported in its post-match analysis.
What’s Next
- Argentina will face Austria in their second Group J match on June 22.
- Algeria will look to revive their qualification hopes against Jordan.
- Messi now has the opportunity to surpass Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record during the remainder of the tournament.
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: Argentina’s title defence could hardly have begun more convincingly. Beyond the result, Messi’s record-equalling performance sends a clear message to the rest of the field: even at 38, the Argentine captain remains capable of defining the biggest stage in world football.
