Lionel Messi Scores Historic First World Cup Hat-Trick as Argentina Beat Algeria 3-0
Football legend Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable display, scoring the first FIFA World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group Stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday.
The reigning champions made a commanding start to their title defense, but the night belonged entirely to Messi. The Argentine captain netted all three goals and equalled Germany great Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
Argentina dominated possession from the outset, pressing high and keeping Algeria under constant pressure. While both teams saw early goals disallowed, the breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Messi picked up the ball in midfield, surged forward, and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Luca Zidane with no chance.
The goal sparked Argentina into complete control as they dictated the pace of the game and restricted Algeria's attacking opportunities. The first half ended with Argentina holding a deserved 1-0 lead.
Messi struck again in the 60th minute. After Alexis Mac Allister's shot was saved by the Algerian goalkeeper, the veteran forward reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and double Argentina's advantage.
Messi struck again in the 60th minute. After Alexis Mac Allister's shot was saved by the Algerian goalkeeper, the veteran forward reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and double Argentina's advantage.
The 39-year-old completed his historic hat-trick in the 76th minute with another trademark finish. Receiving the ball outside the penalty area, Messi curled a precise left-footed effort into the far corner, sending the crowd into celebration and securing his place alongside Klose atop the World Cup scoring charts.
The hat-trick also took Messi's international goal tally to 120, moving him closer to Cristiano Ronaldo's world-record mark of 143 international goals.
More importantly, the performance highlighted Messi's enduring brilliance on football's biggest stage. His World Cup goals now span five editions of the tournament—2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026—underscoring a remarkable career defined by longevity and excellence.
More importantly, the performance highlighted Messi's enduring brilliance on football's biggest stage. His World Cup goals now span five editions of the tournament—2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026—underscoring a remarkable career defined by longevity and excellence.
For Argentina, the emphatic victory provides early momentum in their quest to retain the World Cup trophy. For Algeria, it was a difficult evening against a side inspired by one of the greatest individual performances in World Cup history.
As the tournament unfolds, Messi's latest masterpiece has once again placed Argentina firmly among the favorites to lift the title.
As the tournament unfolds, Messi's latest masterpiece has once again placed Argentina firmly among the favorites to lift the title.
