Lionel Messi Makes World Cup History in Argentina’s 3-0 Win Over Algeria/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi scored the first World Cup hat trick of his legendary career in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. The three goals tied Messi with Miroslav Klose for the all-time World Cup scoring record. Defending champion Argentina began its quest for back-to-back titles in dominant fashion.
- Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in Group J play.
- Messi scored all three goals for his first World Cup hat trick.
- The Argentine captain now has 16 World Cup goals.
- Messi tied Miroslav Klose atop the all-time scoring list.
- He became only the second player to score in five World Cups.
- Rodrigo De Paul assisted Messi’s opening goal.
- Argentina avenged its poor start from the 2022 World Cup.
- Algeria’s early goal was overturned by VAR.
- Messi played in a record sixth World Cup.
- Argentina next faces Austria in Texas.
Messi Makes More World Cup History
Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career Tuesday night, scoring the first World Cup hat trick of his career as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The performance elevated Messi to a tie for the most goals in World Cup history and provided a perfect start to Argentina’s title defense.
Playing in his record-setting sixth World Cup, the Argentine captain showed little sign of slowing down despite approaching his 39th birthday next week.
“The first matches at the World Cup are always tough,” Messi said after the victory. “We’re seeing that nobody’s giving anything away.”
On this night, however, Messi took nearly everything.
A Record-Tying Performance
Messi’s three goals brought his career World Cup total to 16, matching German legend Miroslav Klose for the all-time tournament scoring record.
The hat trick also placed him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players ever to score in five different World Cups.
His opening goal came within minutes of kickoff when Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul delivered a precise pass that Messi calmly finished.
The second arrived early in the second half when Messi pounced on a rebound after Algeria failed to clear its lines.
His third goal showcased the brilliance that has defined his career: a clinical strike from the top of the penalty area that capped another unforgettable night.
Moments later, Messi left the field to a standing ovation from a crowd heavily favoring Argentina.
Twenty Years After His Debut
The timing made the achievement even more special.
Messi’s hat trick came exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006—a match in which he also scored.
Now, two decades later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to rewrite football history.
The Argentine star nearly scored even more.
One goal was ruled out for a narrow offside decision, while another effort sailed just over the crossbar.
Any concerns over the mild hamstring injury that surfaced before the tournament appeared unfounded.
Messi looked sharp throughout the matchcontributing both offensively and defensively.
“I like playing soccer. It’s been my passion since I was little,” Messi said. “When I’m in good shape, I give it my all.”
Argentina Starts Strong
Argentina entered the tournament seeking back-to-back World Cup titles after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago.
The team remembered all too well how its previous campaign began—with a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia before eventually winning the championship.
Coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized the importance of starting strongly this time.
“The first match is always tricky,” Scaloni said. “We had stumbled in the last World Cup and we needed to have a good debut today.”
Argentina’s defense also delivered, limiting Algeria’s opportunities and preserving the clean sheet.
Algeria’s best moment came early when Fares Chaibi appeared to score, only for VAR to rule the goal offside.
From that point forward, the match largely belonged to Messi and La Albiceleste.
Algeria Left to Regret Mistakes
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic acknowledged that defensive lapses proved costly against one of the greatest players in soccer history.
“We’re not talking about any old footballer,” Petkovic said.
“Messi, with his clear thinking in crucial stages of the game, is able to do things much more easily.”
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez echoed those sentiments.
“Argentina have a special player who can change a game on his own,” Mahrez said.
Les Fennecs now face a difficult road to the knockout stage after beginning the tournament with defeat.
World Cup Dream Continues
The match at Arrowhead Stadium carried historical significance beyond the field.
The venue fulfilled the vision of the late Lamar Hunt, whose contributions helped grow soccer in the United States and played a key role in bringing multiple World Cups to the country.
Among those attending were Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, adding another layer of star power to an already memorable evening.
Argentina now heads to Arlington, Texas, to face Austria before concluding group play against Jordan.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul summed up the team’s ambition simply:
“The goal is always to arrive on the first day and leave on the last.”
With Messi making history once again, Argentina’s dream of repeating as world champion remains very much alive.
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