Defending champions Argentina commenced their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, easing to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday.
The headline of the night belonged to none other than Lionel Messi, who orchestrated a masterclass performance to kickstart La Albiceleste’s title defense in Group J.
The Argentine captain found the back of the net three times, concluding the scores with a clinical finish in the 76th minute to seal his hat-trick.
Aside from securing a vital three points for his team, the match served as a historic evening for Messi, who shattered and equaled multiple long-standing football milestones.
By completing his treble with a low shot past Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, Messi brought his total World Cup goal tally to an incredible 16 to level with Germany’s legendary forward Miroslav Klose for the most goals scored by an individual in World Cup history.
Remarkably, despite all his historic achievements on the global stage, this masterclass marked the first-ever World Cup hat-trick of Messi’s international career.
The fixture was also monumental in terms of his longevity, as it officially marked Messi’s 200th international appearance for Argentina.
With his three goals on the night, the iconic forward extended his staggering national record to 120 goals for his country.
Furthermore, simply by stepping onto the pitch, Messi became the first player in football history to feature in six different World Cup tournaments. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo could level this record would he play the opener against DR Congo.
The game itself was largely controlled by Lionel Scaloni’s men, who suffocated the African side with their signature possession play and quick transitions.
Messi broke the deadlock early in the 17th minute, easing any opening-match nerves by converting a fine opportunity to put the South American giants ahead. He then doubled the advantage in the 60th minute with a neat finish before Nico González turned provider to assist the historic third goal late in the second half.
Shortly after cementing his place further into football legends, Messi was substituted to a deafening standing ovation from the crowd, making way for Nico Paz.
Algeria fought valiantly and attempted to trouble the holders on the counter-attack, but they lacked the final ball to pierce a well-drilled Argentine defense.
