Messi's Historic Hat-Trick Powers Argentina to Victory Over Algeria in World Cup Opener

20 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi opened the defence of Argentina's world title with a stunning hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City on June 16. The goals — including a first-time strike from a De Paul pass, an opportunistic rebound, and a crisp finish before being substituted to a standing ovation — saw Messi tie Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer at men's World Cups with 16 goals. The performance came exactly 20 years after Messi's World Cup debut and marked his record sixth World Cup appearance, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo. The 38-year-old also became the oldest player ever to score multiple goals in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla's record.