Messi Hat-Trick Sinks Algeria as Argentina Cruise
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick on his 200th Argentina appearance as the holders beat Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener in Kansas City.
L ionel Messi marked his 200th Argentina appearance with a hat-trick as the defending champions opened their World Cup with a 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, in front of 69,045.
Messi takes over
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, added a second just after the hour in the 60th, and completed his hat-trick in the 76th, before being withdrawn to a standing ovation in the 80th.
A record night
According to reports, it was the first World Cup hat-trick of Messi’s career, and drew him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Algeria, who brought on Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura, could not respond.
Group J
Argentina make a statement at the top of Group J, which also features Austria and Jordan, who meet later.
Reporting: based on official FIFA match data and reports from FIFA, Outlook, World Soccer Talk and Yahoo Sports, June 17, 2026.