Lionel Messi equals World Cup goal scoring record against Algeria
Lionel Messi turned back the clock once again on the grandest stage of them all, producing a masterclass and a record-equalling hat-trick to inspire Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday.
The Argentine captain delivered a performance for the ages, scoring all three goals as the reigning world champions began their campaign in style. In doing so, Messi took his World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in FIFA Men’s World Cup history.
The Inter Miami star also carved out another piece of history, becoming the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick at 38 years and 357 days.
Messi thought he had opened the scoring just five minutes into the contest, only for the offside flag to cut short the celebrations. Algeria suffered the same fate moments later when their own effort was ruled out, ensuring the game remained level in the opening exchanges.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 17th minute, and it came from a familiar source.
Rodrigo De Paul picked out Messi in space, and the veteran forward made no mistake. After expertly controlling the ball and creating room for himself, he unleashed a precise strike into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane to give Argentina a deserved lead.
Despite Algeria's efforts to stay in the contest, Argentina's quality gradually began to show.
Just after the hour mark, Messi doubled the advantage. Alexis Mac Allister's long-range effort was parried by Zidane, but the rebound fell kindly for the Argentine captain, who calmly slotted home from close range to register his second goal of the evening.
With the match firmly under Argentina's control, Messi completed a memorable night in the 76th minute.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner finished off another flowing move to seal his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, sending the crowd into celebration and further cementing his legendary status in football history.
Four minutes later, the Kansas City crowd rose to its feet as Messi was substituted for Nico Paz, rewarding the Argentine icon with a standing ovation after another unforgettable World Cup performance.
The victory gives Argentina the perfect start to their title defence, while Messi now stands on the brink of owning one of football's most prestigious records outright.
The 38-year-old will have the chance to move ahead of Klose and become the sole highest goalscorer in FIFA Men's World Cup history when Argentina face Austria on June 22.
For Algeria, attention now turns to their next Group J fixture against Jordan on June 23 as they look to recover from an opening-day setback.
On a night filled with records and reminders of his enduring brilliance, Messi once again proved that even at 38, football's biggest stage still belongs to him.
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