Lionel Messi’s hat-trick powered Argentina to a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record and marking another historic chapter in his legendary career.
Defending champions Argentina national football team launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, defeating Algeria national football team 3-0 in Kansas City behind a sensational hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi.
The 38-year-old superstar became the first player in history to appear in six FIFA World Cups and celebrated the milestone in style. Messi’s three goals lifted his World Cup tally to 16, drawing level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose for the most goals in tournament history.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a precise pass from Rodrigo De Paul before adding a rebound finish in the 60th minute. He completed his treble in the 76th minute with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area, earning a standing ovation when substituted four minutes later.
The opening goal also placed Messi alongside Cristiano Ronaldo as only the second player to score in five different World Cup editions.
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