World Cup 2026 Argentina: Messi Hat-Trick Sinks Algeria 3-0

ARGENTINA · WORLD CUP

On a night made for nostalgia, Lionel Messi answered every question about age and legacy with a hat-trick that put him level with the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history.

World Cup 2026 Argentina launch defence with a Messi show

Argentina began the defence of their world title in the most fitting way, with Lionel Messi scoring all three goals in a 3-0 win over Algeria. The result was rarely in doubt once their captain found his range.

It was a performance that silenced any doubts about the 38-year-old’s powers. A heavily pro-Argentina crowd in Kansas City rose as one when he was finally substituted.

The holders sit top of Group J with maximum points and a healthy goal difference. More than that, they have their talisman in vintage form.

A hat-trick for the ages

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, collecting a Rodrigo De Paul through ball and curling a left-footed finish beyond Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. It was a goal of pure craft to settle the nerves.

His second arrived just after the hour, as he pounced on a rebound after Zidane could not hold an Alexis Mac Allister strike. The third, on 76 minutes, was the pick of the lot.

Picking up a cutback from substitute Nicolás González, Messi shifted onto his left foot and bent a clinical finish into the corner. Coach Lionel Scaloni withdrew him moments later to a standing ovation.

Messi rewrites the record books

The hat-trick was Messi’s first at a World Cup and his 16th goal in the competition. That tally drew him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose at the very top of the all-time list.

At 38, he also became the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup. The milestones kept coming on what was his 200th appearance for his country.

There was poetry in the timing, too. It came twenty years to the day after Messi made his World Cup debut as a teenager in 2006, a match in which he also scored.

Algeria’s brave but futile resistance

Algeria were far from a soft touch and largely contained Argentina for spells of the first half. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of the France great Zinedine, made several saves before being beaten three times.

Riyad Mahrez returned to the World Cup stage as captain, introduced after the hour in search of a spark. But there was no answer to Messi on this night.

The Atlas Lions will rue a handful of half-chances that might have changed the mood. Instead they leave Kansas City bottom of the group and chasing a response.

What is next for Argentina

Argentina now turn to Austria on June 22 in the Dallas area, with Messi able to claim the all-time record outright with one more goal. Jordan complete their group programme on June 27.

Four years ago the champions lost their opener and still lifted the trophy. This time they have begun with a statement that will worry the rest of the field.

Why it matters

This is widely expected to be Messi’s final World Cup, which lends every appearance a sense of occasion. A record-equalling hat-trick on his first outing only raised the emotional stakes.

For fans across Latin America, the night was a reminder of why the region holds its football icons so dear. Argentina look ominous, and their greatest player is writing one more chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in World Cup 2026 Argentina vs Algeria?

Argentina won 3-0 in Kansas City. Lionel Messi scored all three goals.

What record did Messi equal?

His hat-trick took him to 16 career World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. One more would see him stand alone at the top.

Why was the night so significant for Messi?

It was his first World Cup hat-trick, on his 200th cap, and made him the oldest player to score three in a World Cup match. It also fell 20 years to the day after his World Cup debut.

Who do Argentina play next?

Argentina face Austria on June 22, then Jordan on June 27. They sit top of Group J after the win.

Who is Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane?

Luca Zidane is the son of France legend Zinedine Zidane and represents Algeria. He kept Argentina at bay early before Messi’s treble.