Messi Turns Back Time with Historic Hat Trick as Argentina Cruises Past Algeria

By Cristina Burgos

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — On a night that added yet another remarkable chapter to his legendary career, Lionel Messi delivered a historic hat trick to lead Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Making his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance and his 200th international appearance for Argentina, Messi once again proved why he remains football's ultimate difference-maker, carrying the defending champions to a comfortable win in Group J.

The Albiceleste nearly struck inside the opening minutes when Messi appeared to score after a clever combination with Lautaro Martínez, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Algeria responded moments later when Farès Chaïbi found the net at the other end, but his effort was also disallowed for offside in a lively start.

After both sides exchanged early warnings, Messi finally produced the breakthrough in the 17th minute.

Rodrigo De Paul spotted space between Algeria's midfield and defensive lines and threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the captain's path. Messi turned effortlessly, glided toward the edge of the penalty area, and unleashed a trademark left-footed strike into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea Zidane to give Argentina a deserved 1-0 lead.

The goal settled Lionel Scaloni's side, who controlled possession for most of the first half and rarely allowed Algeria to threaten Emiliano Martínez's goal.

While Algeria remained organized defensively and looked dangerous on occasional counters through Chaïbi and Anis Hadj Moussa, Argentina's midfield trio of De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández dictated the tempo throughout the contest.

The defending champions continued to push after halftime, and their persistence paid off just after the hour mark.

In the 60th minute, Mac Allister tested Zidane from distance, forcing the goalkeeper into a difficult save. The rebound fell perfectly for Messi, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range and score his second goal of the night.

The strike carried major historical significance.

At 38 years old, Messi became the oldest player ever to score a brace in a World Cup match and moved into sole possession of second place on the tournament's all-time scoring list.

Algeria attempted to fight back with the introductions of Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar, and Mohamed Amoura, but Argentina's defense remained solid and composed.

The crowning moment arrived in the 76th minute.

Receiving a return pass from Nico González near midfield, Messi drove forward through the center of the pitch before shifting onto his favored left foot and curling a stunning effort around the outstretched arm of Zidane and into the far corner.

The goal completed the first World Cup hat trick of Messi's extraordinary career and moved him level with Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.

The Kansas City crowd rose to its feet moments later as Scaloni substituted his captain to a standing ovation. Messi left the field having once again dominated football's biggest stage, while Argentina comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure all three points.

For Algeria, the defeat was a harsh lesson against the reigning world champions. Vladimir Petković's side showed flashes of quality but struggled to consistently break through Argentina's experienced defensive unit.

For Argentina, meanwhile, the tournament could not have begun in more convincing fashion.

The defending champions looked composed, balanced, and clinical, but above all, they were inspired by the brilliance of their iconic captain. Two decades after making his international debut and nearly 20 years after his first World Cup appearance, Messi once again reminded the football world that greatness has no expiration date.

Argentina opens its title defense atop Group J, while Algeria will now face an uphill battle in its quest to reach the knockout stages.