Argentina 3-0 Algeria: Messi equals Klose's World Cup goals record with hat trick
Lionel Messi once again etched his name into football history after scoring a sensational hat-trick to inspire Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The performance saw the Argentina captain equal Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16 FIFA World Cup goals while also becoming the first footballer to feature at six different World Cup tournaments.
With the reigning champions beginning the defence of their crown in style, Messi delivered another reminder that even at 39, he remains one of football's defining players.
Historic night for Messi
The match marked another landmark in an extraordinary international career. Making his 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi celebrated the milestone with the first World Cup hat-trick of his career.
His opening goal came with a trademark left-footed strike from outside the penalty area after Algeria failed to close him down.
He doubled Argentina's advantage shortly after halftime by reacting quickest inside the six-yard box before completing the treble late in the contest with another composed finish that sparked celebrations across the stadium.
The hat-trick also arrived exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro, when he also found the net.
Argentina in complete control
While Algeria threatened briefly during the opening exchanges, Argentina quickly established control through their possession, movement and relentless pressing.
Algeria thought they had taken an early lead through Fares Chaibi, only for VAR to rule the effort out for a marginal offside. Moments later, Messi punished the missed opportunity with his spectacular opener.
Argentina continued to dominate throughout the contest, limiting Algeria's attacking opportunities while creating several chances of their own.
Messi even had another goal ruled out for offside and remained heavily involved defensively, helping Argentina win possession high up the pitch whenever Algeria attempted to build attacks.
Strong start to Argentina's title defence
The convincing victory represented the perfect response after Argentina's shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This time, Lionel Scaloni's side looked far more composed from the opening whistle, balancing defensive discipline with attacking quality.
Argentina's experienced midfield controlled possession for long periods, while the attacking trio consistently stretched Algeria's defensive line.
The clean sheet also underlined Argentina's defensive solidity as they limited the North Africans to very few clear opportunities after the opening minutes.
Klose's record now within reach
Messi's latest masterclass leaves him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history. With at least two more group-stage matches still to play, the Argentine legend now has an opportunity to become the outright record-holder before the knockout rounds even begin.
The achievement adds yet another milestone to a remarkable career that already includes the FIFA World Cup title, multiple Ballon d'Or awards and countless domestic honours.
What comes next?
Argentina continue their Group J campaign against Austria in Arlington before facing Jordan in their final group-stage fixture. Algeria, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Jordan before concluding the group stage against Austria.
For Messi and Argentina, however, the opening night belonged to history as much as it did to three valuable points.
SportsLigue
