Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 [1] victory over Algeria in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The performance is significant because it establishes Argentina as a dominant force as defending champions and elevates Messi to the top of the tournament's all-time scoring list.
The match took place on June 16, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, U.S. [1]. Messi scored three goals [1] during the contest, ensuring a decisive win for his national team. This feat marks the first World Cup hat-trick of his career.
With these three goals, Messi has reached a total of 16 [1] World Cup goals. This number ties him with Miroslav Klose for the all-time scoring record in the history of the tournament [1], [2]. The achievement cements his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in international football.
Argentina entered the tournament as the defending champions, seeking to maintain their position at the top of the sport [1]. The victory over Algeria provides the team with early momentum in the group stage, a critical advantage in the high-pressure environment of the World Cup.
Following the match, Messi addressed the milestone. "It's an honor," Messi said [3].
“Messi has reached a total of 16 World Cup goals.”
By tying the all-time scoring record in the opening match, Messi has shifted the narrative of the 2026 tournament toward his personal pursuit of a standalone record. His ability to deliver a hat-trick as the defending champion suggests that Argentina remains a primary contender for the title, while the venue in the US highlights the expanded scale of the current tournament.
