Lionel Messi scored his first career FIFA World Cup hat trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria on June 16, 2026 [1], [2].

The performance cements Messi's legacy as the defending champion and provides Argentina with a dominant start to the tournament. It also positions the forward to challenge existing goal records held by other global stars.

The match took place in Kansas City, Missouri, in the U.S. [4]. Messi recorded three goals [1] to secure the 3-0 result [1], marking the first time the Argentine captain has scored three goals in a single World Cup match [5].

Argentina entered the opener as the defending champions and sought a strong start to the competition [6]. The victory also serves as a response to the goal-scoring pace of Kylian Mbappé, who has recorded 13 World Cup goals [7].

Messi's performance in Kansas City further distinguishes his career as he becomes only the second player to score in five different World Cups [2]. The result leaves Algeria searching for answers after a shutout loss in their opening fixture.

With the tournament now underway, the focus remains on whether Argentina can maintain this momentum through the group stage. The team's ability to control the pace of the game was evident throughout the match, anchored by Messi's clinical finishing.

“Messi recorded three goals to secure the 3-0 result”

This result establishes Argentina as a primary contender to repeat as champions while elevating Messi's statistical standing in tournament history. By recording his first World Cup hat trick and joining an elite group of players to score in five tournaments, Messi is effectively closing the gap on the goal records established by rivals like Kylian Mbappé.