Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance with a hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding victory over Algeria in Kansas City.
The 38-year-old captain scored all three goals in Argentina’s Group J opener, helping the South American side launch their title defence with an emphatic statement win.
The match also marked a milestone occasion for Messi, who made his 200th appearance for Argentina and became the first player in history to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
His three-goal haul took his World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, curling a superb effort beyond Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane after collecting a pass from his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
The opening stages were action-packed, with both sides having goals ruled out for offside before Messi’s breakthrough.
Argentina were made to work for the victory, with Algeria posing a threat throughout the first half. Messi also escaped punishment for a robust challenge on defender Aissa Mandi midway through the opening period.
The Argentine skipper doubled his side’s advantage just after the hour mark, capitalising on a mistake by Zidane to slot home from close range.
He completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area after being set up by Nicolas Gonzalez.
The treble also saw Messi surpass Cristiano Ronaldo as the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.
Argentina’s victory marked the first time the nation has won its opening match at a World Cup while defending the title, having lost their opening games as holders in 1982 and 1990.
The three-time world champions are seeking to become only the third country to successfully retain the World Cup trophy.
Argentina will next face Austria on June 22, while Algeria take on Jordan in their second Group J fixture.
