Lionel Messi Shines as Argentina Dominates Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener

Argentina launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 win against Algeria, highlighted by Lionel Messi's record-breaking hat-trick. Messi's performance not only secured the victory but also saw him achieve significant milestones, including becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history. The match showcased Argentina's dominance, with Messi's brilliance shining through as he celebrated his 200th appearance for the national team. Fans were treated to an unforgettable night as Messi's legacy continued to grow on the world stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 10:31 IST

Argentina's Impressive Start to the World Cup

Argentina kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The spotlight was on Lionel Messi, who not only scored his first World Cup hat-trick but also set multiple records during the match. Messi opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range shot in the 17th minute, giving the defending champions a 1-0 lead at halftime. As the second half commenced, Messi continued to shine, doubling the lead in the 60th minute with a simple tap-in after a rebound from a shot by Alexis Mac Allister. Just 16 minutes later, he completed his hat-trick with another stunning shot from outside the box, tying Miroslav Klose for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history at 16. He was substituted shortly after, receiving a standing ovation for his remarkable performance. Algeria struggled to keep pace, with their only notable moment being a disallowed goal by Fares Chaibi in the ninth minute, which was ruled offside.

Messi's Record-Breaking Night

On this memorable night, Messi achieved several milestones. This match marked his 200th appearance for Argentina, making him the first South American and the third player overall to reach this milestone. He also became the second player, after Cristiano Ronaldo, to score in five different World Cups. With 24 career contributions in World Cup matches (16 goals and 8 assists), Messi surpassed Pele's record of 21 for the most all-time passes. Notably, he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history at the age of 38. Following the match, Messi expressed his joy, stating, "To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment. I'm happy." He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support, highlighting the passionate atmosphere created by Argentine supporters in the stadium.