By Daily Review Online
Defending champions Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in commanding fashion with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, inspired by a historic hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi.
Playing in his record sixth World Cup appearance, the 38-year-old superstar delivered a masterclass in Kansas City on Tuesday, scoring all three goals to guide Argentina to a comfortable Group-stage victory.
Messi initially thought he had given Argentina an early lead in the eighth minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside. However, he was not to be denied for long.
The Argentine captain opened the scoring moments later with a trademark solo run before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area that beat Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
He doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 60th minute, tapping in a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister forced a save from the Algerian goalkeeper.
Messi completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute with another stunning finish from just outside the box before receiving a standing ovation when he was substituted three minutes later.
The feat saw Messi equal former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.
The match also marked Messi’s 200th international appearance for Argentina, adding another milestone to an illustrious career that began in 2005 when he was 18 years old.
Algeria had a goal disallowed early in the match after Fares Chaibi was flagged offside in the ninth minute, but they struggled to trouble the defending champions for the remainder of the contest.
Argentina’s victory ensured there would be no repeat of their shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup, a tournament they eventually won by defeating France in the final.
Messi’s performance also overshadowed impressive displays by other global stars on the same day. Earlier, Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, while Erling Haaland netted a brace in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq.
Argentina will next face Austria on Monday as they continue their quest to become only the third nation to successfully defend a World Cup title.