The Argentine captain delivers another masterpiece, netting three goals to guide the defending champions to a dominant opening victory in Group J.
Lionel Messi continues to redefine greatness.
After questions surrounding his fitness and even his participation in a sixth FIFA World Cup, the Argentine superstar answered in the only way he knows: by putting on a historic performance. Messi scored all three goals as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tying Miroslav Klose atop the tournament’s all-time scoring charts with 16 goals.
Only hours after Kylian Mbappé had dazzled with a brace in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal, Messi delivered an emphatic response of his own, leading the reigning world champions to a perfect start in Group J.
The evening almost began with an immediate breakthrough. Messi found the net after just five minutes following an excellent pass from Lautaro Martínez, but VAR intervened to rule out the goal for a marginal offside decision.
Algeria thought it had struck moments later when Farès Chaïbi finished clinically, but another VAR review showed the midfielder’s shoulder was slightly beyond the last defender, keeping the match scoreless.
Messi would not be denied for long.
In the 17th minute, the Inter Miami forward received possession outside the penalty area and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike that flew beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane and into the corner of the net.
Argentina largely controlled the remainder of the first half, with Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister dictating the tempo from midfield, while Lisandro Martínez marshaled the defense with authority.
The second goal arrived in the 60th minute and featured a costly mistake from Zidane. Mac Allister tested the goalkeeper from distance, and although Zidane managed to make contact with the shot, he failed to hold onto the ball. Messi was quickest to react, tapping home from close range to double Argentina’s advantage.
By then, Algeria’s resistance had faded.
Messi completed his hat trick in the 76th minute with another trademark finish. Receiving the ball outside the area, he shifted onto his favored left foot and curled a precise effort past Zidane to seal a memorable night.
The hat trick not only secured Argentina’s victory but also allowed Messi to draw level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the joint-leading scorer in World Cup history. With at least two group matches remaining, the 39-year-old now has the opportunity to become the outright record holder.
Argentina joins Austria at the top of Group J after Ralf Rangnick’s side defeated Jordan 3-1 earlier in the day, while Algeria will need a positive result in its next match to keep its hopes of advancing alive.
Match Report: Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Goals: 17′ Messi (ARG), 60′ Messi (ARG), 76′ Messi (ARG)
Argentina (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Montiel (46′ Molina), Romero (80′ Otamendi), Lisandro Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Almada (55′ Nico González); Messi (80′ Nico Paz), Lautaro Martínez (55′ Julián Álvarez).
Head Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Algeria (4-3-3): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri; Bentaleb (81′ Boulbina), Boudaoui (64′ Aouar); Chaïbi, Maza (82′ Zerrouki), Hadj Moussa (64′ Mahrez); Gouiri (64′ Amoura).
Head Coach: Vladimir Petković
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group J
