Messi Makes History with World Cup Hat-Trick as Argentina Defeat Algeria

Lionel Messi scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Kansas. The Argentine captain found the net three times to help the defending champions make a winning start to their title defence. The historic performance saw Messi equal Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. Playing in a record sixth World Cup and his 200th international match, the 39-year-old also became only the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in five different World Cups. Argentina later substituted Messi after his hat-trick to manage his fitness for the rest of the tournament.