Argentina vs Algeria: Messi’s Historic Hat-Trick Launches World Cup Campaign

Messi Matches World Cup Scoring Record in Argentina's Convincing Win

Lionel Messi put on a stunning display, scoring three goals to lead Argentina to a 3–0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. This hat-trick tied Messi with Miroslav Klose as the top World Cup goal scorer ever, both now holding 16 goals.

Amid star performances from players like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, Messi’s night stood out as the tournament’s finest individual effort so far. Early in the match, both teams had goals ruled out for offsides, but Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a powerful strike. Algeria kept pressing but couldn't break through Argentina’s solid defense.

The match turned decisively when goalkeeper Luca Zidane mishandled a shot from Alexis Mac Allister, allowing Messi to easily score his second goal just after the hour mark. Ten minutes later, Messi curled a beautiful shot into the bottom corner to complete his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, equalling Klose’s historic record.

Key Moment That Sealed the Match

Miroslav Klose finally has some company. — Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub)

This remarkable achievement came exactly two decades after Messi scored his first World Cup goal at age 18 during the 2006 tournament in Germany. His opener against Algeria was classic Messi: finding space between defenders, receiving a perfect pass from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, and unleashing a fierce shot that beat the goalkeeper.

That goal also made Messi one of only two players, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, to score in five different World Cups. His second goal put him level with Brazil’s Ronaldo and ahead of Mbappé with 15 World Cup goals before the final strike made history.

Playing at Arrowhead Stadium, Messi gave a performance that will be remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history.

Argentina Player Ratings (4-4-2 Formation)

• GK Emiliano Martínez – 7.0: Rarely troubled as Algeria failed to test him seriously.
• RB Gonzalo Montiel – 6.8: Struggled early but settled; fortunate an offside flag saved him from conceding.
• CB Cristian Romero – 7.2: Solid defensively and impressive with his passing from the back.
• CB Lisandro Martínez – 7.7: Dominant and key to stopping Algeria’s attacks.
• LB Facundo Medina – 7.2: Worked tirelessly down the left and defended well.
• RM Rodrigo De Paul – 8.2: Silenced critics with a brilliant assist and all-around excellent display.
• CM Alexis Mac Allister – 7.2: Efficient on the ball and industrious in tracking back.
• CM Enzo Fernández – 7.5: Played deep and dictated the game’s tempo masterfully.
• LM Thiago Almada – 7.0: Strong start but influence faded as match progressed.
• ST Lionel Messi – 9.7: Delivered a legendary performance on his 200th cap.
• ST Lautaro Martínez – 6.5: Limited impact, denied a chance by a good save, substituted early in second half.

Substitutes

• Nahuel Molina (46’ for Montiel) – 6.9: Better defensively despite some possession errors.
• Nicolás González (55’ for Almada) – 7.2: Showed his value with intelligent runs and assisted Messi’s record-breaking goal.
• Julián Alvarez (55’ for Lautaro Martínez) – 6.0: Little opportunity to influence the game.
• Nicolás Otamendi (80’ for Romero) – 6.5: Made important defensive contributions in a brief appearance.
• Nico Paz (80’ for Messi) – 6.2: Came on late with little time to make an impact.

Unused subs included Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Valentín Barco, and José López.

Insights from the Ratings

Rodrigo De Paul reminded everyone why he remains crucial for Argentina, controlling midfield with precision and grit. His performances for the national team clearly reach another level compared to club play. Enzo Fernández impressed in a more creative role than usual, showing poise reminiscent of his award-winning displays in Qatar 2022.

Lautaro Martínez struggled to influence the game, which could lead coach Scaloni to favor Julián Alvarez in upcoming matches.

Statistics Highlight Argentina’s Control

Argentina’s defense was flawless, not allowing Algeria a single shot on target. Messi himself exceeded his expected goals, accounting for nearly the entire team’s xG. He became both Argentina’s oldest World Cup goalscorer and the oldest player to score a hat-trick at the tournament.