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Lionel Messi Matches World Cup Goal Record with Hat Trick in Argentina's Commanding Win Over Algeria

Messi’s Historic Night Leads Argentina to Victory

Argentina started their World Cup title defense with some nerves, but Lionel Messi quickly took control. The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, witnessed by 69,045 fans. His three goals tied him with Miroslav Klose for the all-time World Cup scoring record at 16 goals, though Klose reached the milestone in fewer games.

The match began cautiously for Argentina. Early on, Messi found the net, but Lautaro Martinez was flagged offside on the play. Algeria nearly punished Argentina moments later, as Farès Chaïbi appeared to score, only for VAR to rule him offside as well. Both teams probed carefully, searching for an opening.

"They did everything they could. They reacted wonderfully in the first half," said Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni through a translator.

Then Messi stepped up. A precise pass from his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul split the Algerian defense, and Messi calmly placed his shot into the top-right corner to give Argentina the lead. This goal added another milestone to Messi’s extraordinary career.

"It’s hard to explain. We’re amazed with him still, though we get to see him every day," Scaloni commented.

Even Algeria’s manager Vladimir Petković acknowledged Messi’s quality, saying, "Class is permanent. He’s got eight Ballon d’Or awards. Unfortunately, we gave him chances with the first two goals. The entire Argentina team works for him." Messi accounted for seven of Argentina’s ten shots.

This marked Messi’s fifth World Cup tournament with a goal, exactly 20 years after his first. The connection with De Paul also made them only the fifth pair of MLS teammates to assist each other in a World Cup goal, a rare feat usually seen among USMNT players. Messi’s tally now stands at 911 career goals for club and country.

"He’s been the best for 20 years. You don’t have to be an Argentine fan to admire what he’s done at 38 years old," added Scaloni.

Messi’s dominance continued in the second half. After Alexis Mac Allister’s long-range shot was blocked, Messi pounced on the rebound. Later, a well-timed pass from Nicolas González set up Messi’s left-footed finish, completing his first World Cup hat trick.

Despite holding similar possession stats, Algeria struggled to threaten Argentina’s goal, managing seven shots but none on target.

Argentina Player Ratings Against Algeria

  • Emiliano Martinez (7/10): Rarely tested but excellent with distribution, his composure helped calm Argentina early on. A key long pass led directly to Messi’s second goal.
  • Facundo Medina (7/10): Controlled Algeria’s wingers well, solid defensively but offered little going forward.
  • Cristian Romero (7/10): Steady at the back, contributed to keeping a clean sheet with no shots on target allowed.
  • Lisandro Martinez (8/10): Strong defensive effort with several clearances, tackles, and interceptions.
  • Gonzalo Montiel (7/10): Effective in the first half with multiple defensive actions before being substituted at halftime as planned.
  • Rodrigo De Paul (8/10): Known as Messi’s destroyer, he combined grit with creativity, delivering the key pass for the opener.
  • Enzo Fernandez (7/10): Efficient and precise in passing, helped maintain Argentina’s rhythm.
  • Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): His bold shot initiated Messi’s second goal; contributed well both offensively and defensively.
  • Thiago Almada (6/10): Added width and pace but lacked influence beyond that.
  • Lionel Messi (10/10): An unforgettable performance silenced any doubts about his greatness. Tied the World Cup scoring record and moved closer to breaking Maradona’s assist record. A historic moment in the 2026 World Cup.
  • Lautaro Martínez (5/10): Struggled to find rhythm filling in for Julian Alvarez, indecisive and ineffective during his 55 minutes.
  • Julian Alvarez (5/10): Still recovering from injury, had minimal impact.
  • Nicolas González (7/10): Came on for Almada and quickly assisted Messi’s third goal.
  • Nicolas Otamendi (6/10): Provided defensive stability when introduced.
  • Nico Paz (6/10): Brought fresh energy off the bench.
  • Nahuel Molina (6/10): Replaced Montiel, was steady but unspectacular.
  • Lionel Scaloni (8/10): Made smart second-half changes and managed the team well after a tense start. Showed why Argentina remains among the favorites to win.

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