Messi equalled the World Cup all-time scoring record as Argentina began their title defence in style.
Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making history in the process.
The Argentina captain found the net three times in a 3-0 victory, taking his World Cup finals tally to 16 goals. The achievement sees Messi draw level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition’s joint-highest goalscorer.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a curling effort after combining with his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He added a second just after the hour mark by capitalising on a goalkeeping error from Algeria’s Luca Zidane, before completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick with a powerful strike from outside the box.
The match also marked Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina and made him the first player to feature in six FIFA World Cups. Argentina, the reigning world champions, were forced to work hard for the win despite the scoreline, with both teams having goals disallowed during an entertaining first half.
The victory is significant for Argentina, who had never won their opening World Cup match while defending the title. Previous title defences in 1982 and 1990 began with defeats.
Argentina now turn their attention to upcoming Group J fixtures against Austria and Jordan as they continue their quest to retain the World Cup trophy.
