Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 [2] victory over Algeria on Tuesday [3].

The performance marks a historic milestone for the veteran forward and provides Argentina with a dominant start to their title defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match took place in Kansas City, U.S. [4]. Argentina controlled the game from the start, with Messi netting three goals [1] to secure the win. The victory ensures the team begins the tournament with maximum points and momentum.

With this performance, Messi has reached 16 total World Cup goals [5]. This tally ties him with Miroslav Klose for the all-time scoring record in the tournament's history [5]. It is the first time Messi has scored three goals in a single World Cup match.

Reports on Messi's age vary among sources, with some listing him as 38 [6] and others as 39 [7]. Despite the age difference, the forward remains the focal point of the Argentine attack.

The win over Algeria serves as a statement for the defending champions. By tying the scoring record in the opening match, Messi has positioned himself to potentially become the sole record holder before the tournament concludes.

“Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria”

By equaling the all-time scoring record in the first game of the tournament, Messi has shifted the narrative of the 2026 World Cup toward his individual legacy. This result puts immediate pressure on other contenders and signals that Argentina's offensive strategy remains heavily reliant on Messi's finishing ability, even in the later stages of his career.