Lionel Messi struck a hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J at Kansas City Stadium.
The Argentina captain’s treble carried historic weight: Messi began the day three goals behind Miroslav Klose’s all-time FIFA World Cup™ record of 16, but by the 76th minute he had drawn level with the former Germany striker. Messi was also named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.
Argentina’s goals all came from Messi, who scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes to set the tone for their title defence and put immediate pressure on the rest of Group J.
How Argentina 3-0 Algeria unfolded
The match began at a high tempo, with both sides seeing early efforts ruled out for offside. Messi had a goal chalked off, while Algeria’s Fares Chaibi also had an effort disallowed in what FIFA described as a breathless opening.
Messi’s first decisive moment arrived in the 17th minute. Picking up possession 30 yards from goal, he rolled his marker, drove forward and curled a superb finish beyond the reach of Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane to put Argentina 1-0 up.
Algeria responded by keeping the reigning champions largely at arm’s length for the remainder of the first half. Argentina’s main opening after the goal came when Alexis Mac Allister headed over the crossbar.
Algeria also fashioned a promising chance before the break. Anis Hadj Moussa created one of the Fennec Foxes’ better openings, but a deflection took the sting out of his low effort and Emiliano Martinez gathered comfortably.
After half-time, Messi remained central to Argentina’s best attacking moments. He first sent a 20-yard effort over the bar, then slipped in Lautaro Martinez, whose dangerous cross was cut out by Zidane.
Argentina’s second goal followed soon after, and again Messi was the one to finish. Zidane was unable to hold a powerful strike from Mac Allister, allowing Messi to react quickest to the rebound and finish coolly with his right foot in the 60th minute for 2-0.
Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a trademark curling finish from the edge of the area. FIFA noted the third goal also capped his 200th senior international appearance in style, as Argentina moved clear at 3-0.
Record chase and what comes next
With his three goals against Algeria, Messi equalled Klose’s FIFA World Cup goalscoring record of 16. FIFA also highlighted a striking piece of symmetry: Messi’s hat-trick came 20 years to the day after his World Cup debut, when he appeared as a substitute in a group-stage match against Serbia and Montenegro at Germany 2006.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s enduring impact and said the team would take the tournament one game at a time, adding that Argentina were happy after giving playing time to a lot of players.
Algeria captain Aissa Mandi pointed to Messi’s ruthlessness as the key difference, noting that Argentina have a player whose chances often end up in the back of the net.
Messi, speaking after the match, described his current experiences as “a bonus” and said he is enjoying being part of a wonderful group and being able to enjoy it out on the pitch.
Group J implications
The win gives Argentina an ideal start to their Group J campaign as they look to defend their crown. FIFA reported that Messi will have the chance to claim the World Cup scoring record outright when Argentina face Austria on 22 June. Algeria, meanwhile, are set to play Jordan in their next Group J match.