Lionel Messi turned back the clock and rewrote another chapter of football history on Tuesday night, scoring a sensational hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J.
On a night already destined to be memorable as Messi made his 200th appearance for Argentina and became the first male footballer to feature in six FIFA World Cups, the Argentine captain delivered a performance befitting his legendary status.
The 38-year-old struck three times to equal German great Miroslav Klose’s all-time men’s World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, sending thousands of Argentina supporters inside Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium into wild celebration.
For Algeria, making their first World Cup appearance in 12 years, it was a harsh lesson against the reigning world champions. For Argentina, it was the perfect start to their title defence.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark piece of brilliance. Receiving a quick pass from Rodrigo De Paul in midfield, the Inter Miami star surged forward before unleashing a powerful left-footed effort from outside the penalty area that flew beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane and into the top corner.
The goal settled Argentina, who gradually tightened their grip on the contest while limiting Algeria’s attacking threats.
The North Africans showed flashes of promise through captain Riyad Mahrez and midfielder Ismaël Bennacer but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Argentina’s organised defence.
Messi doubled Argentina’s advantage shortly after the restart. Algeria initially survived a dangerous attack when Zidane produced a fine save, but the Argentine captain reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly slotted home his second goal of the evening.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner completed his historic hat-trick in the 76th minute, latching onto a pass from Nico González before finishing emphatically to seal the victory and spark celebrations among the sea of sky-blue-and-white supporters.
As he left the field to a standing ovation moments later, Messi had not only delivered the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career but had also matched one of football’s most revered records.
The victory underlined Argentina’s credentials as serious contenders to retain the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.
Before the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had urged calm despite the enormous attention surrounding his captain’s milestone appearance.
“Calm because it’s just a game of football,” Scaloni said. “We have the experience of the last World Cup; the first game is not fundamental. It’s important, but it doesn’t end with the first game.”
The coach also spoke of Messi’s enduring influence on the squad, saying: “He’s always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more. I see him well.”
Messi’s display proved those words prophetic.
The result leaves Argentina well placed at the top of Group J ahead of their next fixture against Austria, while Algeria must quickly regroup before a crucial encounter with Jordan.
For one unforgettable night in Kansas City, however, the story belonged entirely to Messi.
At an age when most footballers have long retired from the international stage, the Argentine icon once again demonstrated why many regard him as the greatest player the game has ever seen.
And with the World Cup record now within touching distance of being broken outright, Messi’s remarkable journey may yet have another historic chapter to come.