In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J opener, Argentina defeated Algeria by 3-0. Lionel Messi, the goat and the best player on the team, scored a hat-trick of goals.
In his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, Messi came out with all guns blazing with a hat trick during the first game against Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday.
With this amazing performance, Messi equalled the FIFA World Cup goal scoring record of 16 World Cup goals of Miroslav Klose of Germany. Apart from this, Messi also holds the record for most caps (199) and most goals (117) for Argentina. He is also the online player to score in the World Cup group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.
Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi put in efforts right from the start, but the Argentine captain started showing his prowess when he took possession 30 yards from the goal. He rolled, surged forward, and curled a fantastic finish.
For the rest of the half, Algeria kept Argentina players in check, with Alexis Mac Allister showing some effort with a header over the crossbar.
Even after the break, Messi was at the forefront when the Argentina team kept attacking. He created a 20-yard run over the bar before slipping in Lautaro Martinez, whose cross was cut out by Zidane.
The second goal of the team, rather Messi, came when Zidane was unable to hold Mac Allister’s powerful strike. This allowed Messi to pounce on the rebound and finish a cool kick with his right foot.
The 38-year-old Argentinian star completed his hat-trick of goals with a curling finish from the edge of the area. That goal completed his 200th international game for Argentina.
During his illustrious career, Messi led Argentina to 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America titles and 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions crown. After the FIFA World Cup title in 2022 further created a legacy that speaks volumes.
In the next game Argentina will face Austria on June 22. So, Messi has a chance to get past Klose’s record.
