Messi scores first World Cup hat trick in his sixth World Cup to beat Algeria

Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance, scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to lead defending champions Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener.

At 38 years old, the legendary forward was in unstoppable form, with his third goal of the night tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup finals history with 16.

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The victory gives Argentina a perfect start to their title defense, laying down a marker for the rest of the competition. For Algeria, it was a disappointing evening where they struggled to contain the Argentine attack and failed to register a single shot on target.

Messi’s game by numbers vs Algeria:
57 touches
37 passes attempted
30 passes completed
7 final 1/3 entries
6 shots
4 shots on target
4 touches in opp. box
3 duels won
3 crosses attempted
3 ball recoveries
3 goals
2 chances created
2 tackles made

Ladies and… pic.twitter.com/fqSMGwANcI

— The Lagos Voice (@thelagosvoice) June 17, 2026

Messi Equals All-Time Goal Record

Messi completed his sensational hat-trick with a clinical strike from the edge of the area. After receiving the ball in the center circle, he drove forward, exchanged a quick pass with substitute Nico Gonzalez, and drilled a low, hard shot past the outstretched goalkeeper.

The goal marked a significant milestone, putting him level with Klose’s long-standing record. He will have the chance to become the outright top scorer when Argentina faces Austria on Monday.

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Earlier in the match, Messi had already become the oldest player to score twice in a World Cup game at 38 years and 357 days. His first two goals set the tone for Argentina’s dominance before his record-equalling third sealed the win.

‘Still the Best in the World’

Pundits and fans alike were quick to praise the veteran’s enduring quality. Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, highlighted Argentina’s complete performance.

“As much as I’ve said Algeria were disappointing, Argentina were very good. They did everything asked of them and they kept a clean sheet after a lot of talk about them defensively. When you are defending a trophy, you want to start your next time well and they have done that.”

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Fan reactions echoed the sentiment, with many hailing Messi as the greatest of all time. “He’s 38. He shouldn’t be this good,” wrote one fan from Leicester. Another added, “If you give that amount of space at that place for Messi, there’s only going to be one outcome. Simply the best.”

Despite a late, half-hearted push from Algeria, Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was untroubled throughout the match, a testament to his team’s control and defensive solidity.

Argentina claimed a 2-0 win against Algeria in their latest encounter, with a goal from Lionel Messi contributing to the victory.

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A key moment in the match saw Alexis Mac Allister unleash a powerful, low shot that proved difficult for the Algerian goalkeeper to handle. The keeper fumbled the save, pushing the ball back into a dangerous area where Messi was waiting. The Argentine captain calmly controlled the rebound and slotted it into the corner of the net.

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, providing commentary for BBC Radio 5 live, was critical of the goalkeeping effort. “I don’t know if that took a deflection, but if it didn’t, that is really poor goalkeeping from Zidane,” he remarked.