Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina beats Algeria 3-0 in World Cup
Messi hat-trick leads Argentina to 3-0 win over Algeria

Lionel Messi made history as he led defending champion Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match of the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Philippine time), in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

Messi's Hat-Trick

All of Argentina's goals came from Messi's hat-trick. At 38 years old, he became the oldest player to achieve this feat in the tournament.

Overall, Messi scored his 16th goal in the World Cup, exactly 20 years after his first goal in this prestigious competition. He also tied the record of Germany's Miroslav Klose in the tournament, which is held every four years.

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Match Timeline

  • 17th minute: Messi scored his first goal.
  • 60th minute: He added his second goal.
  • 76th minute: Messi completed his hat-trick.

Messi, who will turn 39 on June 24, delivered a vintage performance. Argentina aims to become the first men's team to defend their World Cup title since Brazil did so in 1962.

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