Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The magic of Lionel Messi’s feet was on full display in the game as he took the field for his 200th international match. Messi has now become the joint-highest goalscorer in World Cup history.
Messi put on a brilliant performance against Algeria, scoring three goals. With this, Messi equalled former Germany player Miroslav Klose’s record for the most goals in the FIFA World Cup. Messi and Klose now both have 16 goals each in the tournament.
Messi looked in fine form against Algeria and scored Argentina’s first goal in the 17th minute of the match. Messi’s brilliance continued in the second half. In the 60th minute, he made the most of a rebound opportunity and slotted the ball into the goalpost.
In the 76th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick in the match. He sent the ball into the goalpost with his left foot from outside the box. Algeria’s defence proved completely weak in front of Messi.
Messi achieved the feat of scoring three goals in a single match for the 61st time in his career, while this was his 11th hat-trick for Argentina.