Hat-trick hero Messi writes himself into history as Argentina beat Algeria

Argentina vs Algeria; FIFA World Cup Group J Argentina vs Algeria. FIFA World Cup Group J. GEHA Field at Arrowhead StadiumAttendance69,045. World Cup 2026: Argentina 3-0 Algeria - Lionel Messi scores stunning hat-trick to draw level in all-time World Cup scoring charts Match report as Lionel Messi registered his first World Cup hat-trick while moving level in the tournament's all-time scoring charts with Germany's Miroslav Klose; it meant defending champions Argentina got off to a dominant defence of their title, overpowering Algeria in a 3-0 win Wednesday 17 June 2026 04:50, UK The eyes of the world were mesmerised by the untouchable Lionel Messi as he wrote himself into history by scoring a stunning hat-trick to give Argentina the perfect start to their World Cup title defence, beating Algeria 3-0 in Kansas. The game was an exhibition of Messi's talent on his favourite stage of all. Sharp and unerring, he was a level above every other player on the park. Perhaps, even, a class above any other to grace a World Cup finals. His treble ensured he drew level in the all-time scoring charts with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 tournament goals, also becoming the the oldest player to score multiple times in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla's record. The 38-year-old was ably supported by Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and club team-mate Rodrigo De Paul, but the night firmly belonged to him as he scored a treble of epic proportions in a display that will be talked about for decades. His 61st career hat-trick. - As it happened | Teams | Stats | Group J guide - World Cup day-by-day schedule | Latest: World Cup - Follow our World Cup coverage in the Sky Sports App The first was engineered by De Paul, delivering a cutting through ball to Messi in the pocket, and he shaped a lovely strike beyond Luca Zidane - son of France legend Zinedine Zidane. The second arrived early in the second half, turning home a parried effort from Mac Alisster, before the third from the edge of the area, a low, bending strike, gave him his crowning moment. He was subbed off to a standing ovation shortly after from a heavily pro-Argentina crowd. But even those of an Algerian persuasion will have been delighted to witness the magician up close. The goals came 20 years to the day that the No 10 made his World Cup debut for Argentina in a match against Serbia and Montenegro - he scored in that one, too.