Messi delivers magical hat-trick, sets new World Cup record

Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable World Cup performance, scoring a sensational hat-trick as defending champions Argentina surged into a 3-0 lead over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Argentine captain, already celebrating a historic milestone appearance, once again proved decisive on football’s biggest stage, combining record-breaking achievement with a clinical display in front of goal.

Argentina took control of the match early and went ahead in the first half through Messi, who finished brilliantly after being played through by Rodrigo De Paul. The goal gave Lionel Scaloni’s side a deserved lead and set the tone for a dominant performance.

Messi doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 60th minute. A powerful effort from Alexis Mac Allister was spilled by Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, and the veteran forward reacted quickest to convert the rebound, making it 2-0.

The crowning moment arrived shortly afterward when Messi completed his hat-trick. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse and a swift Argentine attacking move, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly found the back of the net to seal his third goal of the night and put the result beyond doubt.

The hat-trick took Messi’s World Cup goal tally to 16, strengthening his position among the tournament’s all-time leading scorers and further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.

The night was already historic before the goals arrived. By featuring against Algeria, Messi became the first footballer ever to play in six FIFA World Cups, extending a remarkable World Cup journey that began in Germany in 2006.

On June 16, 2006, a teenage Messi announced himself to the world with a goal and an assist against Serbia and Montenegro. Exactly two decades later, he marked the occasion in fitting fashion—by producing a hat-trick on the global stage and leading Argentina’s title defense in emphatic style.

Argentina remained firmly in control throughout the contest, with their experienced core dictating the tempo and limiting Algeria’s attacking opportunities. While Riyad Mahrez and his teammates attempted to respond, they found little joy against a disciplined Argentine defense.

With Messi at the heart of everything, Argentina looked every bit a team determined to retain the World Cup crown. And on a night defined by records, milestones and brilliance, the legendary captain once again reminded the football world why he remains one of the game's most enduring icons.