Lionel Messi scored three goals as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on June 16 [1], [2].
The performance establishes the defending champions as immediate contenders and cements Messi's legacy as the most prolific scorer in the history of the tournament.
Messi’s hat-trick [1] allowed him to tie the all-time World Cup scoring record, bringing his total to eight goals [4]. This milestone marks the first time a player has reached this specific scoring peak, and the first person to appear in six World Cups [1].
Coming into the match just one week shy of his 39th birthday [1], Messi demonstrated a level of precision that surprised opponents and allies alike. The victory ensures Argentina starts the tournament with maximum points and a significant boost in momentum.
"He's a madman," Erling Haaland said.
The 3-0 result [1] reflects a dominant defensive and offensive display by the Argentine squad. By securing a clean sheet against Algeria, the team has reinforced the stability that led them to their previous title.
Messi's ability to maintain elite scoring form into his late 30s is a rarity in international football. His performance on Tuesday serves as a reminder of his influence on the pitch — regardless of his age or the stage of the competition.
Argentina now looks ahead to its remaining group stage fixtures with the confidence of a leader in the scoring charts and a captain in peak form.
“Messi tied the all-time World Cup scoring record, bringing his total to eight goals.”
Messi's achievement is not merely a personal record but a strategic advantage for Argentina. By equaling the all-time scoring record in the first game, he places immense psychological pressure on opposing defenses for the remainder of the tournament. Furthermore, his ability to produce a hat-trick at 38 years old suggests that Argentina's tactical reliance on his playmaking remains viable for another title run.
