FIFA World Cup: Messi hat-trick helps Argentina beat Algeria, equals World Cup goals record

Lionel Messi marked his historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with a sensational hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J on Wednesday.

The Argentine captain produced a vintage display at Kansas City Stadium, scoring all three goals to guide his side to a comfortable win and move level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals.

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Messi entered the tournament three goals shy of Klose’s long-standing record but erased the deficit in emphatic fashion, reaching the landmark within 76 minutes and setting himself up to become the outright record-holder later in the competition.

Both teams had goals disallowed for offside during an entertaining opening spell, with Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi denied early breakthroughs. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner soon stamped his authority on the contest.

Receiving possession well outside the penalty area, Messi glided past his marker before curling a precise finish beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane to hand Argentina the lead.

Algeria responded positively and remained competitive throughout much of the first half, limiting clear-cut opportunities for the reigning world champions. Alexis Mac Allister came closest to doubling the advantage before the break, heading over from a promising position.

The North Africans threatened sporadically, with Anis Hadj Moussa forcing Emiliano Martinez into action, but Argentina’s defence remained largely untroubled.

After halftime, Messi continued to dictate proceedings. He first tested the Algerian defence with a long-range effort before creating an opening for Lautaro Martinez. Moments later, he doubled Argentina’s lead after reacting quickest to a rebound when Zidane failed to hold a powerful Mac Allister strike.

The 38-year-old completed his hat-trick in trademark fashion, curling a superb effort into the corner from the edge of the area to seal victory and celebrate his 200th senior international appearance in memorable style.

Already Argentina’s all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer, Messi added another chapter to a glittering international career that includes FIFA World Cup glory in 2022, Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions title in 2022.

The result gives Argentina a perfect start to their title defence and puts Messi within touching distance of owning the World Cup scoring record outright. He will have the opportunity to surpass Klose when Argentina face Austria on June 22.

Algeria, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they take on Jordan in their second Group J fixture.