Messi hat-trick powers Argentina to 3-0 victory over Algeria in World Cup opener

Defending champions Argentina began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, inspired by a historic hat-trick from Lionel Messi in Kansas City.

The Argentine captain delivered a masterclass on his landmark 200th international appearance, scoring in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes to secure all three points for his side.

The performance marked Messi’s first-ever World Cup hat-trick and saw him become the first player in football history to appear in six FIFA World Cups.

His opening goal was a stunning long-range strike that left the Algerian goalkeeper with no chance. Messi added a close-range finish midway through the second half before completing his treble with a trademark curling effort into the bottom corner.

The three goals also propelled the 39-year-old into the record books. Messi moved to 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

In addition, Messi’s overall World Cup goal contributions reached 24, surpassing Brazilian great Pelé and setting a new all-time record.

Argentina controlled much of the contest and rarely looked troubled by Algeria, who struggled to contain Messi and the South American champions throughout the match.

The victory gives Argentina the perfect start to their title defence and underlines their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy once again.

For Messi, it was another unforgettable chapter in an extraordinary international career as he continued to rewrite football history on the sport’s biggest stage.