Lionel Messi rolled back the years once again in Kansas City , producing a breathtaking hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina swept aside Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
The victory not only launched Argentina’s title defence in emphatic fashion but also saw Messi draw level with the all-time World Cup scoring record.
The 38-year-old captain opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning long-range strike after being picked out by Rodrigo De Paul. Messi surged forward before unleashing a powerful effort from outside the box that flew into the top corner, giving Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane no chance.
Argentina dominated possession and controlled the tempo throughout the contest, with the midfield trio of De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández dictating proceedings.
Algeria briefly thought they had found a way back into the game when the ball found the net, but VAR ruled the effort out for offside. From that point onward, La Albiceleste never looked troubled.
Messi added his second with a poacher’s finish before completing a memorable hat-trick in the 76th minute, sparking celebrations among the Argentine faithful. The treble elevated him to 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose at the summit of the tournament’s scoring charts.
The feat adds another remarkable chapter to Messi’s legendary career. Already the first player to appear in six FIFA World Cups and the holder of the record for most World Cup appearances, he now stands alongside Klose as the tournament’s joint-highest scorer and is just one goal away from owning the record outright. He also reached his 200th international appearance for Argentina during the match.
For Argentina, this was more than just three points. It was a statement. No nation has successfully defended the men’s World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, but Lionel Scaloni’s side looked every bit like a team capable of ending that 64-year wait.
Composed in possession, ruthless in attack and solid defensively, the South Americans sent a warning to the rest of the tournament that the champions remain very much a force to be feared.
Group J now belongs to Argentina after the opening round of matches.
Argentina will return to action on June 22 against Austria, while Algeria face Jordan on the same day in a match that could prove crucial to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
For one unforgettable night in Kansas City, however, the spotlight belonged to Messi. As records continue to tumble and history keeps calling his name, the Argentine maestro reminded the world that even at 38, greatness still wears the No. 10 shirt.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Jones Adzi
