Lionel Messi scored a brilliant hat trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 and moved level with Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goals record….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Lionel Messi marked his historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with a stunning hat trick as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J on Wednesday.
The Argentina captain delivered another memorable performance on football’s biggest stage, scoring all three goals to guide his side to a comfortable win at Kansas City Stadium while drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s joint highest scorer of all time.
Messi’s three goals took his World Cup tally to 16, equalling Klose’s long standing record. The 38 year old also extended his remarkable collection of international milestones, having already established records for most appearances and goals for Argentina, while remaining the only player to score in every knockout stage and the final of a World Cup.
The eight time Ballon d’Or winner entered the match three goals behind Klose’s mark but needed just 76 minutes to erase the deficit and move alongside the former Germany striker in the history books.
Both sides saw early efforts ruled out for offside, with Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi denied in a lively opening spell.
Messi soon produced the breakthrough. Collecting possession around 30 yards from goal, he glided past his marker before curling a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane to give Argentina the lead.
Despite controlling possession, Argentina found Algeria difficult to break down for much of the first half. Alexis Mac Allister came closest to extending the lead when he headed over the crossbar, while Anis Hadj Moussa briefly threatened for Algeria, only for his deflected effort to be comfortably gathered by Emiliano Martinez.
The reigning champions raised the tempo after the break, with Messi once again at the centre of their attacking play. After firing one effort narrowly over the bar and creating another opening for Lautaro Martinez, the veteran forward doubled Argentina’s advantage.
Mac Allister’s powerful shot was spilled by Zidane, allowing Messi to react quickest and slot home the rebound with trademark composure.
The Argentine superstar then completed his hat trick in style, bending a trademark finish into the corner from the edge of the area to cap a memorable evening and his 200th senior international appearance.
Messi’s latest achievement adds to a glittering international career that includes Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, the CONMEBOL UEFA Cup of Champions title in 2022 and Argentina’s historic World Cup success later that year.
Argentina’s victory gives them an ideal start to the defence of their global crown. Messi will now have the opportunity to claim the World Cup scoring record outright when Argentina face Austria on June 22.
Algeria, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they take on Jordan in their second Group J fixture.
