Argentina 3–0 Algeria: Messi hat-trick on record-breaking sixth World Cup
Defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Lionel Messi scoring all three goals.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, set up by Rodrigo de Paul, to send Argentina into the break 1-0 ahead. He doubled the lead on the hour from close range after a rebound following Alexis Mac Allister's strike, then completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a trademark curling finish.
The treble came on what was a record-setting occasion for Messi, the first man to feature in six World Cups, as he equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 World Cup goals. Algeria barely threatened, managing little of note against a dominant Argentina.
Key moments
- •Lionel Messi scored all three goals, his first hat-trick at a World Cup.
- •Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, assisted by Rodrigo de Paul.
- •His hat-trick took him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 all-time World Cup goals.
- •The match marked Messi's record sixth World Cup appearance.
- •Algeria failed to seriously threaten, with no goals at either end beyond Messi's treble.
Timeline
Match facts
- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
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- Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.