Forward, Lionel Messi, netted a beautiful hat-trick to help Argentina emerge victorious over Algeria 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match on Wednesday 17 June, 2026 at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, United States (US).
The victory which happened in the early hours of Wednesday was a strong statement from the White and Sky Blue as they kick off their defence of the World Cup title.
The hat-trick now makes Messi the World Cup’s joint-top all-time scorer.
It was the forward’s first ever hat-trick at a World Cup; a feat he clinched on his 200th appearance for his home country, Argentina, who are defending champions.
The former Barcelona playmaker also created some history as he reached a total of sixteen (16) World Cup goals, levelling with Miroslav Klose of Germany as the all-time leading scorer in the competition’s history.
Argentina, World Cup winners for a record three times, were made to hustle for triumph in the city of Kansas as they aim to emerge only the third country to successfully defend the World Cup.
Messi, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, opened the scoring for the South Americans in the 17th minute with a fine curl; the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Inter Miami, forward collected the ball from Rodrigo De Paul, who also fields for the American side, before bending a shot which went past goalkeeper, Luca Zidane.
Luca Zidane is the son of France Legend, Zinedine Zidane.
Messi’s opener came few minutes after an earlier effort had been overruled, with the Desert Warriors also having a goal struck out three (3) minutes later.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is Messi’s 6th, making him the first player to attain this level. He netted the second for Argentina in the 60th minute capitalizing on a mistake from goalie Zidane.
And, in the 76th minute, Messi launched a powerful strike from the edge of the area after Nicolas Gonzalez’ pass located him.
Argentina will now gear up for their next showdowns against Austria and Jordan.
On the other side of Group J, Austria defeated Jordan 3-1. Argentina are toppers of the Group while Austria are second, however, both teams have three (3) points each.
Messi’s jaw-dropping performance for Argentina against Algeria perfectly answers the question of why the forward did not retire from international duty after winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Photo: Lionel Messi celebrates after netting for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Algeria on Wednesday 17 June, 2026 in Kansas City, US
