Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Messi hat-trick powers Argentina to winning World Cup start

Lionel Messi produced a record-equalling masterclass as Argentina opened their World Cup title defence with a commanding victory over Algeria in Kansas City.

Making his 200th appearance for Argentina and becoming the first player to feature in six World Cups, the 38-year-old scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his career to take his tournament tally to 16 goals, matching the all-time record held by Miroslav Klose.

Messi’s treble secured a hard-fought win for the reigning champions, who claimed their first-ever opening-match victory as defending World Cup holders after previous setbacks in 1982 and 1990.



The result gives Argentina a strong start in Group J ahead of upcoming fixtures against Austria and Jordan.

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