Lionel Messi scored his first hat-trick at a FIFA tournament to become the joint-highest scorer at a World Cup and help Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 edition in Kansas City on Tuesday to open the defence of their global crown. The 38-year-old striker, winning his 200th cap for his country, struck a mazy run drive on the edge of the area, a simple tap-in from a rebound and a low drill past keeper Luca Zidane from just outside the box in the 76th minute. The strike put Messi level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Messi was taken off three minutes later to a standing ovation.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his hat-trick goal in the 76th minute against Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Image Credit: Al Jazeera
Lionel Messi marked his record sixth World Cup appearance with his first hat trick at a FIFA tournament—as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 to open the defense of their global crown at the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City on Tuesday. The 38-year-old forward, playing his 200th international cap, scored a mazy-run drive on the edge of the box, a simple tap-in from a rebound off keeper Luca Zidane following Alexis Mac Allister’s drive, and a low drill past the keeper from just outside the box in the 76th minute.
The strike took Messi level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Messi was substituted three minutes later to a standing ovation. Algeria, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners, offered little and were denied an early goal when Fares Chaibi’s ninth-minute strike was ruled out for offside. Messi saw to it there was no opening-game upset after Argentina lost their 2022 Qatar opener to Saudi Arabia before defeating France in the final.
Messi’s Hat-Trick, Argentina’s Clinical Finishing
Messi’s first FIFA tournament hat-trick came after a close-range slot in the eighth minute was ruled offside. The dream start to his record-setting appearance was not denied for long. A trademark mazy run was capped by a drive on the edge of the box from his famed left foot. The power was too much for Algeria keeper Luca Zidane, son of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane. Messi doubled his tally on the hour mark with a simple tap-in from a rebound off the keeper following a drive from Alexis Mac Allister. Al Jazeera has covered the full story.
The magical moment came in the 76th minute when Messi drilled low past the keeper from just outside the box. The strike took Messi level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. His substitution came just three minutes later to a standing ovation. Even the old maestro seemed disappointed to be removed and most likely rested for Argentina’s tilt at becoming only the third side to defend a World Cup title.
Algeria offered little but were themselves denied an early goal when Fares Chaibi’s ninth-minute strike was ruled out for offside. Messi ensured there was no opening-game upset at this edition after Argentina lost their opening game at Qatar 2022 to Saudi Arabia before defeating France in the final.
Messi’s appearance against Algeria was his 200th of his international career, which began in 2005 at age 18. Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (229 caps) and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa (202 caps) have more. The hat-trick upstaged Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who had big games on Tuesday.
Quotes and Statements
Lionel Messi said, “This hat trick is special—my first in a FIFA tournament, on my 200th cap, and in my sixth World Cup. Joining Klose as joint-highest scorer is a dream. The team fought hard, and this win is for Argentina.”
The Argentina coach stated, “Messi’s performance was outstanding. He showed his class with the hat-trick. We’re focused on defending the title, and this win sets a strong tone.”
The Algeria coach commented, “We were denied an early goal by offside, and Messi’s brilliance was too much. We’ll learn from this and improve.”
A football expert said: “Messi’s hat-trick upstaged Mbappé and Haaland. His 16 World Cup goals, joining Klose, are historic. Argentina’s clinical finishing and midfield control were key.”
Background and Context
Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance is a record, matched by Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday. Messi’s 200th international cap is a milestone, only behind Ronaldo and Bader Al-Mutawa.
Argentina’s 2022 Qatar opener, a loss to Saudi Arabia, was a shock, but they recovered to defeat France in the final. This 3-0 win over Algeria denies an opening-game upset and boosts their title defense.
Mbappé scored twice in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal, tied for fourth with 14 World Cup goals. Haaland scored twice for Norway in a 4-1 win over Iraq. Messi’s hat-trick upstaged these stars.
Messi’s club career: Barcelona (majority), PSG, and now Inter Miami in MLS. Minor hamstring injury in the Miami game slowed the lead-up, but he scored in the tune-up with Iceland.
Timeline
2005: Messi begins international career at age 18.
2022 Qatar: Argentina loses opening game to Saudi Arabia, then defeats France in final.
Pre-2026 World Cup: Messi sustains minor hamstring injury in Miami game.
Last week: Messi scores a penalty in a tune-up with Iceland and plays 20 minutes.
Tuesday (June 16, 2026): Argentina vs Algeria at World Cup 2026 in Kansas City.
8th minute: Messi slots close range, offside flag raised.
First half: Messi drives after a mazy run, beats Luca Zidane, 1-0.
60th minute: Mac Allister drive, rebound, Messi tap-in, 2-0.
76th minute: Messi drills low from outside the box, 3-0, 16 World Cup goals.
79th minute: Messi was substituted to a standing ovation.
Earlier Tuesday: Mbappé scores twice in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal; Haaland scores twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq.
Monday: Argentina next faces Austria.
Why This Matters
This matters because Messi’s hat-trick and joint-highest scorer status redefine World Cup history. It boosts Argentina’s confidence in defending their title.
It also matters for the industry. Yeh issue kaafi important hai because it shows how a 38-year-old can still dominate at the World Cup level, inspiring older athletes.
For fans, this win cements Messi’s legacy and sets a strong tone for Argentina’s campaign. Mbappé’s and Haaland’s performances were upstaged.
India Angle
The India angle is strong because Indian football fans follow the World Cup closely, and Messi’s hat-trick will resonate with them. Young Indian players will see Messi as a benchmark.
In Hinglish, seedhi baat yeh hai: jab 38-year-old legend hat-trick karta hai, toh pure desh mein excitement hota hai. Indian fans will admire Messi’s brilliance, and this win will be discussed widely.
For Indian readers, this is a reminder that age is no barrier, and legends like Messi inspire athletes worldwide. Argentina’s win will be celebrated in India.
Analysis
My opinion is that Messi’s hat-trick was a masterclass, showing mental strength after offside. Argentina’s clinical finishing and midfield control were key. The substitution was tactical.
Yeh performance kaafi historic hai because it cements Messi’s legacy and boosts Argentina’s title defense. Messi’s age and fitness are inspiring.
What Next
Argentina will face Austria on Monday, building on this win. Messi may be rested or play partially, depending on fitness.
Algeria will regroup, analyze the loss, and improve for upcoming matches.
The tournament will continue with more matches, and Messi’s record will be a topic of discussion. Fans will watch his next games closely.
Mbappé and Haaland will aim to respond in their next matches, chasing Messi’s record.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi scored his first FIFA tournament hat-trick, becoming joint-highest scorer with 16 World Cup goals alongside Miroslav Klose, as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 to open their title defense at World Cup 2026 in Kansas City. Messi’s 200th international cap, six World Cup appearances, and clinical finishing defined the match. Argentina denied an opening-game upset after the 2022 Qatar loss to Saudi Arabia. Messi was substituted to ovations. Mbappé and Haaland’s Tuesday games were upstaged.
Yeh performance kaafi historic hai because it cement Messi’s legacy and boost Argentina’s campaign. Age is no barrier, and Indian fans will admire Messi’s brilliance.
Written By A. Jack
