Messi hits hat-trick to join World Cup’s all-time top scorers

Lionel Messi produced a landmark performance with a hat-trick against Algeria as Argentina opened their World Cup campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory, while the Argentine captain climbed into the highest standing of the tournament’s all-time goal scorers.

The Argentina skipper delivered a decisive display in Kansas City, striking three times to dismantle Algeria’s defence and take his World Cup tally to 16 goals — drawing level with Germany’s legendary striker Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring chart.

Messi’s first goal arrived in the opening half after Argentina controlled the early tempo through Rodrigo De Paul’s midfield distribution. The breakthrough set the tone for a dominant display, though Algeria briefly threatened on the counter before being denied by an organised Argentine backline.

The second goal came in the 60th minute when Alexis Mac Allister’s long-range effort was parried by Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, with Messi reacting quickest to convert the rebound and double Argentina’s advantage.

The 38-year-old completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute in trademark fashion, combining with Nicolás González before finishing clinically from inside the area to bring up a historic milestone and complete a statement performance.

The goal made Messi only the second player in history to reach 16 World Cup goals, placing him alongside Klose at the summit of the tournament’s all-time scoring list — a record that underlines his longevity and consistency across six World Cup editions.

Argentina, the defending world champions, controlled the match from start to finish, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez largely untroubled as Algeria struggled to break through a disciplined defensive structure led by Cristian Romero.

Messi was substituted shortly after completing his hat-trick, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as Argentina closed out a comfortable victory to begin their title defence in style.

The result strengthens Argentina’s position in Group play and reinforces their status as one of the leading contenders for the tournament, with Messi once again at the centre of their ambitions.