Football

Messi Hat-Trick Powers Argentina Past Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener

Lionel Messi marked his record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with a sensational hat-trick as defending champions Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener.

The Argentine captain opened the scoring with a trademark curling strike before adding a second from close range after capitalising on a rebound. Messi completed his hat-trick with another brilliant finish from the edge of the box, taking his World Cup tally to 16 goals and equalling the all-time tournament scoring record held by Miroslav Klose.

The victory gives Argentina the perfect start to their title defence, while Messi moves one goal away from becoming the outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

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