Argentina Dominates Algeria in World Cup Opener with Messi's Hat-Trick
Argentina's Strong Start in FIFA World Cup 2026
The reigning champions, Argentina, commenced their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a commanding 3-0 win against Algeria on Tuesday night at Kansas City Stadium. The highlight of the match was none other than Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, who delivered an extraordinary performance, netting his first World Cup hat-trick and setting a vibrant tone for his team's campaign. Although Messi's initial goal was disallowed for offside, he officially opened the scoring in the 17th minute, showcasing a heartfelt celebration that reflected his emotions. He added two more goals in the 60th and 76th minutes, sealing a decisive victory over Algeria. With this stellar display, Messi matched Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals, marking a significant milestone in World Cup history.
After the match, Messi explained that his emotional reaction was not linked to his scoring record or his historic sixth World Cup appearance. "Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football," Messi shared post-match. "I faced some tough days, but I am thankful to my teammates and the entire delegation for their unwavering support, which helped me through it all."
Scaloni's Admiration for Messi
Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, who guided the team to their first World Cup victory in 36 years in Qatar 2022, expressed his awe after witnessing Messi equal Klose’s goal tally during the match. Scaloni emphasized that Messi's influence goes beyond mere statistics and age, making him a pivotal figure both on and off the field. "I am at a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He's incredible," Scaloni remarked during the post-match press conference. "It's not about imagining if he could start like this; he has been doing it for 20 years. Fans worldwide want to see him, not just Argentines. Regardless of the outcome, we must appreciate him. His impact on the world is remarkable. As long as Leo wishes to play, he will remain the best; he has consistently shown this for two decades. Watching him is exhilarating for anyone who loves football. It's hard to put into words."
Argentina's next challenge will be against Austria on June 22, who began their campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Jordan earlier on Tuesday.