Messi outshines Mbappé and Haaland in the same day as Argentina cruise past Algeria 3-0 in World Cup 2026 opener

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass as defending champions Argentina kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 title defense with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The 38-year-old superstar scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, moving level with Miroslav Klose in the all-time scoring charts and reminding the world why he remains football’s greatest.

Match Summary: Messi Magic Lights Up Kansas City

• Final Score: Argentina 3-0 Algeria
• Goals: Lionel Messi (17′, 60′, 76′)
• Key Highlight: Messi’s clinical finishing, vision, and leadership dismantled a competitive Algerian side that had shown strong form in friendlies.

Messi opened the scoring early with a trademark left-footed curler, added a second to take control, and completed his hat-trick in the second half. A fourth goal was ruled offside, but the message was clear: even at 38, the GOAT is far from finished. Argentina dominated possession and chances, with strong support from Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez.

Algeria, making their first World Cup appearance since 2014, fought bravely with stars like Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza but couldn’t break through against a solid Argentine defense.

Star-Studded Day: Messi Steals the Spotlight

On a blockbuster Tuesday at the 2026 World Cup, three of football’s biggest names shone brightly:

• Lionel Messi → Hat-trick in a statement win
• Kylian Mbappé → Scored a brace (or more) for France in their victory over Senegal
• Erling Haaland → Netting a brace as Norway beat Iraq convincingly

While Mbappé and Haaland delivered impressive performances, Messi outshone them all with a historic hat-trick on the grandest stage, tying major scoring records and leading the champions to a perfect start in Group J.

Fans and pundits quickly crowned it Messi’s day, with social media exploding over the Argentine captain’s timeless brilliance.