Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 [1] victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The performance marks a historic start for the defending champions as they begin their quest to retain the title on U.S. soil. Messi's individual dominance continues to define the tournament's early stages.

The match took place Tuesday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City [2]. Messi scored three goals [1] for Argentina, securing his first career World Cup hat-trick [3]. This offensive surge provided the decisive margin in the 3-0 [1] win over the Algerian side.

Beyond the match result, the outing cemented Messi's place in the record books. By scoring three times, he tied the all-time career World Cup goals record of 16 [1]. This milestone places him level with Miroslav Klose, the former German striker.

Messi also achieved a longevity milestone during the tournament. He became the first player in history to appear in six World Cups [4]. This appearance underscores his sustained impact on the international game over two decades.

Argentina's defensive unit remained disciplined throughout the contest, preventing Algeria from finding the net. The victory provides the team with an early advantage in their group standings as the tournament progresses across the United States.

“Messi scored a hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria”

Messi's record-tying performance indicates that Argentina remains the team to beat in the 2026 tournament. By matching the 16-goal career record and securing a dominant opening win, Messi has signaled that he is still the primary offensive engine for the defending champions, potentially shifting the psychological momentum of the group stage in Argentina's favor.