Messi Hat-Trick Makes History as Argentina Beat Algeria 3-0 in World Cup Opener

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to lead defending champions Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup Group J opener on June 17. With his 14th World Cup goal, Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into football history on June 17, scoring a brilliant hat-trick as defending champions Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match was Argentina's first in Group J and marked Messi's fifth World Cup campaign. Entering the game tied with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 13 World Cup goals, Messi needed just 23 minutes to claim the record outright. A perfectly struck free kick from just outside the box curled over the wall and into the top corner, leaving the Algerian goalkeeper with no chance. The goal made Messi the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 14 goals. Argentina dominated possession from the start, controlling the tempo with their trademark passing game. Algeria defended resolutely but struggled to contain the creativity of Messi, Di Maria, and Alvarez. In the 58th minute, Di Maria delivered a precise cross from the left, and Messi controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful volley into the net to make it 2-0. The hat-trick was completed in the 79th minute when Enzo Fernandez played a through ball that split the Algerian defense. Messi raced onto it, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted home from a tight angle. The stadium erupted in celebration as Messi became only the second Argentine after Gabriel Batistuta to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match. Argentina finished the match with 65% possession, 18 shots, and 9 on target, completely outclassing their opponents. Algeria's best chance came in the 35th minute when a long-range effort forced a save from Emiliano Martinez, but otherwise the Argentine defense remained untroubled. The clean sheet was a positive sign for a team aiming to retain the title. After the match, Messi was named Man of the Match. "I am very happy to break the record and help the team win," he said. "But the most important thing is that we got the three points. This is the first step towards our goal of defending the title." Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain: "Messi once again showed why he is the best in history. The whole team executed the game plan perfectly. We deserved this victory." The win puts Argentina top of Group J after Poland and Saudi Arabia played out a 1-1 draw in the other group match. Argentina will face Poland in their next game, while Algeria take on Saudi Arabia. If Argentina maintain this form, they look well placed to advance to the knockout stages. Messi's historic achievement sparked global headlines, with pundits and fans alike hailing him as the greatest of all time. In Argentina, celebrations erupted across the country as the nation dreams of back-to-back World Cup titles. With Messi in this form, that dream looks increasingly attainable.

Messi Hat-Trick Makes History as Argentina Beat Algeria 3-0 in World Cup Opener

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