Messi Hat-Trick Powers Argentina Past Algeria in World Cup Opener
By Luckybets Media Team
Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable World Cup performance as Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 title defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City.
The 38-year-old superstar rolled back the years with a sensational hat-trick, taking his World Cup goal tally to 16 and moving level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the highest scorer in FIFA Men’s World Cup history.
For Argentina, it was the perfect start to life as defending champions. For Messi, it was yet another reminder that even in his sixth World Cup appearance, he remains capable of dominating football’s biggest stage.
Argentina started brightly and Messi immediately looked determined to make an impact. Within the opening minutes he was pressing high, tracking back to recover possession and showing an energy that quickly silenced any lingering questions about his fitness or ability to influence matches at this level.The breakthrough arrived after a move that perfectly showcased Messi’s genius.
Starting deep inside his own half, he helped orchestrate the attack before arriving in the right position to finish it, calmly finding the net to give Argentina the lead.The goal settled Argentina and allowed Lionel Scaloni’s side to dictate proceedings.
Algeria struggled to contain the movement and creativity of Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martinez, who repeatedly combined to stretch the North African defence.
Messi continued to torment Algeria throughout the contest. His second goal arrived shortly after the hour mark following a costly mistake from goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane. The Algerian goalkeeper failed to deal with the danger and Messi punished the error ruthlessly to double Argentina’s advantage.With Algeria already struggling to stay in the contest, Messi delivered one final moment of brilliance late in the match. Collecting possession outside the penalty area, he produced a trademark finish into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick and send the Argentine supporters into celebration.
The performance further strengthened Messi’s remarkable World Cup legacy. The hat-trick not only placed him alongside Klose in the record books but also demonstrated that he remains the focal point of Argentina’s ambitions despite approaching his 39th birthday.
Argentina’s overall display was equally impressive. While several pre-tournament favourites have made slow starts, Scaloni’s team looked organised, confident and dangerous throughout. The midfield controlled possession effectively, the defence remained solid, and the attack consistently created problems for Algeria.There was one controversial moment involving Messi during the first half. The Argentine captain escaped disciplinary action after a challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi, an incident that sparked debate and could have resulted in a card. However, the referee opted to award only a free kick, allowing Messi to remain on the field and continue his influence on the match.
For Algeria, the defeat leaves work to do in the remaining group matches. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane endured a difficult evening, while the team struggled to cope with Argentina’s attacking quality once Messi found his rhythm.
Argentina now move forward with confidence after a performance that combined experience, quality and clinical finishing. Their title defence could hardly have started in more convincing fashion.Above all, the night belonged to Messi.
Nearly two decades after making his World Cup debut, he once again showed why he remains one of football’s greatest players, producing a magical hat-trick that reminded the world that his story is still being written.
