FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi's hat-trick powers Argentina against Algeria

FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi's hat-trick powers Argentina against Algeria

Lionel Messi made history by scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Algeria.

The match, held in Kansas City, ended with a resounding 3-0 victory for the defending champions.

This was Messi's first-ever hat-trick at the World Cup and his 16th goal in the tournament, which helped him equal Miroslav Klose's all-time record.

Historic match for Messi

Messi registered his 200th international cap and sixth World Cup appearance. He is the first player in history to achieve such a feat.

The goals were brilliant, with the first coming in the 17th minute. Messi received the ball from Rodrigo De Paul and followed it up with a left-footed shot.

The second goal came from a rebound in the 60th minute. His final came in the 76th minute after a bout of passes with Nicolas Gonzalez.