Lionel Messi Shines with Record-Breaking Hat-Trick as Argentina Dominates Algeria

Lionel Messi opened the 2026 World Cup with a performance that will be remembered for ages, scoring three goals to lead Argentina to a commanding 3–0 victory over Algeria. This feat tied him with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer, each holding 16 World Cup goals.

The match featured early disallowed goals for offsides from both teams, but Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a powerful strike. Algeria pressed hard but couldn’t break through Argentina’s well-organized defense led by coach Lionel Scaloni.

Midway through the second half, an error by goalkeeper Luca Zidane on a shot from Alexis Mac Allister allowed Messi to tap in his second goal. Then, in the 70th minute, Messi curled a precise shot into the bottom corner to complete his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, matching Klose’s record and becoming the oldest player to achieve this feat at the tournament.

A Night to Remember

This stunning display came exactly two decades after Messi scored his first World Cup goal in 2006 against Serbia. On this night, he demonstrated why he's considered one of football’s all-time greats, finding space between Algeria's lines to receive a perfect pass from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul before unleashing his trademark powerful shot.

His second goal placed him alongside Brazil's Ronaldo in World Cup scoring history, with 15 goals, and surpassed current stars like Kylian Mbappé. The final goal was a masterclass in precision and technique, curling the ball past Zidane to seal the victory.

Argentina’s dominant win sends a strong signal they are ready to defend their title from Qatar 2022, with Messi leading the charge.

Argentina Player Ratings (4-4-2)

Ratings by FotMob

• GK Emiliano Martínez – 7.0: Calm and composed, saw little action thanks to Algeria’s lack of threat.
• RB Gonzalo Montiel – 6.8: Struggled early with marking, fortunate offside saved him, improved as match progressed.
• CB Cristian Romero – 7.2: Solid defensively with excellent ball distribution.
• CB Lisandro Martínez – 7.7: Dominant and relentless, key interceptions prevented Algeria’s advances.
• LB Facundo Medina – 7.2: Energetic on the left flank, reliable defensively though often recycled possession.
• RM Rodrigo De Paul – 8.2: Outstanding performance, pivotal in creating Messi’s opening goal, influential throughout.
• CM Alexis Mac Allister – 7.2: Steady on the ball and hardworking in covering spaces during Algeria’s counterattacks.
• CM Enzo Fernández – 7.5: Played as deep-lying playmaker, controlled game tempo expertly.
• LM Thiago Almada – 7.0: Strong start but faded later, still a solid contribution.
• ST Lionel Messi – 9.7: Legendary display, scored a historic hat-trick on his 200th appearance.
• ST Lautaro Martínez – 6.5: Limited influence, missed a key chance, substituted in the second half.

Substitutes

• Nahuel Molina (46’ for Montiel) – 6.9: Defensive improvement over Montiel despite some possession errors.
• Nicolás González (55’ for Almada) – 7.2: Showed his value by assisting Messi’s record-breaking third goal.
• Julián Alvarez (55’ for Lautaro Martínez) – 6.0: Came on late without much opportunity to influence the match.
• Nicolás Otamendi (80’ for Romero) – 6.5: Made several defensive contributions in brief appearance.
• Nico Paz (80’ for Messi) – 6.2: Came on when the result was settled and did not make a notable impact.

Unused subs included Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Valentín Barco, and José López.

Insights from the Match

Rodrigo De Paul reminded everyone why he remains crucial for Argentina despite criticism about his MLS form. His energy, vision, and grit made him indispensable. Enzo Fernández controlled the midfield with poise reminiscent of his breakout World Cup showing in 2022.

Lautaro Martínez continues to struggle to leave a significant mark on World Cup games, making Scaloni’s decision to start him somewhat questionable. Julián Alvarez might get the nod next time.

Key Statistics

Argentina's defense shut down Algeria completely, preventing any shots on target and allowing only a low expected goal tally of 0.31. Both Argentina and Messi surpassed their expected goals for the match, with Messi responsible for 1.03 out of the team's total 1.23 xG.

Messi, who became Argentina’s youngest World Cup scorer on June 16, 2006, also set the record for being the oldest Argentine to score at the World Cup and the oldest player ever to net a hat-trick in the tournament on June 16, 2026.