KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI / EuroWire / – Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday. The Argentina captain lifted his career World Cup total to 16 goals, tying Miroslav Klose for the men’s tournament record. The result gave the defending champions three points in their first match of the tournament.
Messi scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes. His first goal came after Rodrigo De Paul played him through Algeria’s defensive line. Messi carried the ball forward and struck from distance past goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The goal settled Argentina after both teams had early efforts ruled out for offside.
Algeria had a brief opening when Farès Chaïbi put the ball in the net early in the match. The effort did not stand after an offside decision. Argentina then took control for long periods and kept Algeria from building steady pressure. The South American side used the lead to manage possession and limit clear chances.
Messi reaches major milestones
The hat-trick marked Messi’s first at a World Cup and made him the oldest player to score three times in a men’s tournament match. He also made his 200th appearance for Argentina. Messi became the first player to compete in six World Cups, adding another milestone to a career that includes Argentina’s 2022 title.
His second goal followed a low shot from Alexis Mac Allister that Zidane could not hold. The loose ball dropped in front of Messi, who finished from close range. Algeria then faced more pressure as Argentina pushed through midfield and looked for openings around the penalty area.
Argentina starts title defense with win
Messi completed the scoring in the 76th minute after Nico González set him up near the edge of the area. The forward struck cleanly to seal the win before Argentina made changes late in the match. The third goal put him level with Klose, whose 16 World Cup goals had stood alone as the men’s record since 2014.
Argentina next play Austria in Arlington, Texas, while Algeria face Jordan in Santa Clara, California. Both matches are part of Group J. The win placed Argentina in a strong early position in the section, while Algeria left Kansas City without a point from their opening fixture.