Argentina began their defence of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a stunning hat-trick from superstar Lionel Messi as the team defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, United States of America.
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi stuns at World Cup
The legend Messi scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, achieving his first-ever hat-trick at the World Cup. This was also Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina, making him the first man to appear in six World Cups. The hat-trick goals took him to 16 World Cup goals, levelling with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the record.
🌎🇦🇷 Argentina win their opening game with Lionel Messi making World Cup history! 💥
Messi hat-trick means he’s joint TOP SCORER EVER in the World Cup with 16 goals with Miro Klose.
Mbappé, Müller, Ronaldo Nazario surpassed. pic.twitter.com/t6QKHk9FQp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2026
Argentina tastes sweet victory
The three-time world champions were made to work for their victory as Algeria did not give up easily with impeccable defence, but it was just not enough for the South American side.
If anyone was questioning why Messi did not hang up his international boots after winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, last night’s match proved why.
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With just a week out from his 39th birthday, he rolled back the years with a sensational display, claiming yet another record from long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo by becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.
This performance proved he is not in the United States to make up the numbers but is determined to help Argentina secure a fourth World Cup success.
Messi again, again, and again…#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/1ehQnZFHD4
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026
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