Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, equaling Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goal record.
Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a magnificent hat-trick, inspiring reigning champions Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener.
After a tense start where Algeria saw an early effort ruled out for offside, Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, calmly slotting home a precise through ball. The Albiceleste then asserted total control, wearing down their physical opponents with relentless high pressing.
The 38-year-old maestro doubled the lead on the hour mark, tapping in a rebound after goalkeeper Luca Zidane spilled a long-range effort. Messi then capped off a flawless evening in the 77th minute, completing his treble with a sublime finish.
LEO MESSI IS THE JOINT-TOP ALL-TIME WORLD CUP SCORER 🎩 pic.twitter.com/EXoaz8vGej
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 17, 2026
The historic third goal represents Messi’s 16th career World Cup strike, moving him level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s joint all-time top scorer.
After the first round of matches, Argentina temporarily leads Group J with 3 points. The defending champions will continue to face Austria (June 23) and Jordan (June 28) in the group stage.