Messi Scores Hat Trick as Argentina Opens World Cup Championship Defense With Win Over Algeria

Lionel Messi showed why he’s one of the best in the world in his sport in Argentina’s opening game of the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City. The defending champions faced Algeria in their Group J opener, and it was the Messi show. The 38 year old forward, who plays for Inter Miami CF of the U.S. MLS when he’s not World Cupping for his home country, scored a hat trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0. Messi had four shots on goal while the rest of the team had a total of two. On the other hand, Algeria was shut down completely and had zero shots on goal.

Messi also equaled Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals. He will get a chance to break the record on June 22nd, when Argentina plays Austria in Arlington, Texas.