Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their Group J match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. The victory marked a strong start for the defending champions.
Messi struck first in the 17th minute. He received the ball and finished calmly to give Argentina the lead. The goal came during a dominant opening spell by the South American side. Argentina controlled possession and created several chances before the breakthrough.
Messi added his second goal in the 60th minute. He converted another opportunity with precision. Later, in the 76th minute, Messi netted his third with a powerful strike from outside the box. These efforts brought his World Cup career total to 16 goals. He equaled the record previously held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
The team maintained pressure throughout the contest. Argentina limited Algeria to few clear chances and secured a clean sheet. Coach Lionel Scaloni watched his side dictate play effectively. Players such as Enzo Fernandez supported the attack well. Messi, the Argentina captain and Inter Miami forward, led by example at age 38.
The hat-trick represented Messi’s first in a World Cup match. It arrived exactly 20 years after his debut World Cup goal. “I feel good and the team played well,” Messi said after the game. The performance silenced questions about his influence in the tournament. Argentina now sits strongly in the group standings.
The result highlighted Argentina’s continued strength as they defend their title. Fans celebrated the historic moment in Kansas City. Messi moved level with Klose and positioned himself to potentially break the record in upcoming matches.
