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Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0.
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He equalled Klose’s World Cup record with 16 tournament goals.
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Argentina made a strong start to their World Cup title defence.
Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable World Cup performance on Tuesday, scoring a stunning hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the 38-year-old captain equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals and became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, exactly 20 years after netting his first goal at the tournament.
Messi was also making his 200th appearance for Argentina and became the first player in history to feature at six FIFA World Cups.
The Argentina captain thought he had opened the scoring inside five minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Algeria also had a goal disallowed shortly afterwards when Fares Chaibi’s finish was flagged offside.
Argentina eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute. Rodrigo De Paul threaded a precise pass through the Algerian defence, allowing Messi to surge forward and unleash a powerful strike from 25 yards that beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane into the top corner.
Messi doubled the lead in the 60th minute after Luca Zidane spilled a long-range effort from Alexis Mac Allister. The loose ball fell kindly to Messi, who calmly slotted it home.
He nearly completed his hat-trick moments later, but Zidane tipped his effort over the bar. The third goal arrived in the 76th minute when substitute Nico Gonzalez set him up for another fierce finish beyond the Algerian goalkeeper.
Algeria appealed for a red card in the first half after Messi appeared to step on Aissa Mandi, but the referee took no action.
Argentina, the defending champions, entered the tournament under scrutiny after inconsistent recent performances and limited matches against European opposition. But Lionel Scaloni’s side delivered a composed and dominant display that quickly silenced doubts about their credentials.
The victory gives Argentina a strong start in Group J as they continue their bid to become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title.
Argentina will face Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas, while Algeria take on Jordan in Santa Clara, California.
