Hattrick for Messi as Argentina thrash Algeria to kick off world Cup defense
By Luke Oluoch, June 17, 2026Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat-trick to lead Argentina’s World Cup title defence with an emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Kansas City.
The MLS striker’s attacking masterclass was the highlight of the match and the day, as Lionel Scaloni’s men made a powerful statement.
History maker
Appearing in his sixth World Cup, Messi took the grand stage by storm. His treble saw him equal Miroslav Klose’s record as the joint-top scorer in the competition’s history.
The 38-year-old, who turns 39 next week, received the perfect early birthday gift, as his goals saw him surpass Kylian Mbappé (14 goals)—who scored a double a day earlier as France beat Senegal 3-1—Thomas Müller (14 goals) and Ronaldo Nazario to join the record for most FIFA World Cup goals with Miroslav Klose.
He also became the oldest player to score multiple goals in a FIFA World Cup match, breaking the record set by Roger Milla in 1990.
The Argentine maestro broke the deadlock in the 16th minute after receiving a brilliant pass from Rodrigo De Paul that fooled almost the entire Desert Fennecs defense, setting up the attacker perfectly. Messi was later seen battling tears after the goal, which marked the official start of his final World Cup appearance.
However, there was more to come. Argentina soon doubled their advantage in the second half. At the hour mark, Messi bagged his 16th overall World Cup goal for Argentina and emphatically sealed his hat-trick.
He collected the ball at the centre of the pitch, drove forward, linked up with a teammate, and fired a low shot past the helpless Algerian goalkeeper.
The hat-trick was the 61st of his legendary career and his 11th while playing for the national team.
Injury doubts
The result marked a perfect start for the reigning World Cup holders, whose defense of the global crown is expected to be tough. Doubts had been compounded by Messi’s far-from-perfect buildup to the tournament.
The eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or had been battling a minor hamstring injury with Inter Miami, which slowed him down in the lead-up to the tournament. He put all of that aside, however, following an inspiring preparatory performance the previous week, where he led the team to a win over Iceland by scoring a penalty kick during a 20-minute cameo.
The striker’s night came to a stop after he was subbed off later on with thousands of Argentine fans rending the stadium with chants of Messi! Messi! Messi!’ as they gave the attacker a standing ovation.