New Delhi: Football may be the ultimate team sport, but Lionel Messi once again demonstrated how individual brilliance can shape the outcome of a match on the biggest stage. The Argentine captain delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a stunning hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria in a Group J encounter in Kansas City.
The emphatic win marked a far more comfortable start for Argentina than their 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, which began with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia. This time, the South American giants left nothing to chance as their iconic captain led from the front.
Playing in a record sixth World Cup, the 38-year-old Messi found the net in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, recording his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and the 11th of his international career. The three-goal haul also elevated him into elite company, drawing level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals. In the process, Messi became the highest-scoring South American player in World Cup history, surpassing Brazil legend Ronaldo’s tally of 15 goals.
Argentina took the lead in the 17th minute when Messi collected the ball nearly 30 yards from goal, evaded his marker with trademark ease and unleashed a precise finish. Although Algeria defended resolutely for much of the first half, Argentina continued to create opportunities, with Alexis Mac Allister coming close with a header.
Algeria showed flashes of promise through Anis Hadj Moussa, but Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez remained alert to preserve his side’s advantage.
Messi resumed the second half with the same attacking intent. After narrowly missing with a volley and creating an opportunity for Lautaro Martínez, he doubled Argentina’s lead in the 60th minute. Mac Allister’s powerful shot was spilled by goalkeeper Luca Zidane, and Messi reacted quickest to convert the rebound.
His third goal arrived in the 76th minute, a curling strike from just outside the penalty area that left the goalkeeper with no chance and effectively sealed the contest. Shortly afterward, Messi was substituted to a standing ovation, with Nico Paz replacing him.
Scaloni Hails Messi’s Enduring Greatness
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s influence and consistency.
“I don’t have enough words to describe Messi’s performance. For two decades he has given us moments like these. He inspires everyone who watches him play,” Scaloni said.
The coach also acknowledged that despite the scoreline, Algeria had provided a stern challenge and emphasized that Argentina would continue taking the tournament one match at a time.
Messi Downplays Record Milestones
Despite matching Klose’s World Cup scoring record and surpassing Ronaldo’s South American mark, Messi remained characteristically modest.
Speaking after the match, he described the achievement as an honor but insisted that statistics alone do not define greatness.
“I’m proud to be mentioned alongside legendary players, but records are just numbers. For me, Ronaldo remains one of the greatest footballers I have ever seen. These milestones are special, but the most important thing is helping the team win,” Messi said.
With their captain in sublime form and confidence high after a dominant opening performance, Argentina have sent an early warning to the rest of the tournament that the defending champions are once again serious contenders for football’s biggest prize.
