Messi powers Argentina past Algeria with maiden World Cup hat-trick

Defending champions Argentina launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, inspired by a historic hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi.

The result extended Argentina's impressive record against African opposition at the World Cup and strengthened their status as one of the leading contenders to retain the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.

Argentina entered the tournament as the world’s top-ranked nation and one of the most successful teams in football history.

The South American giants have won three FIFA World Cup titles (1978, 1986 and 2022), a record 16 Copa América crowns, and the 2022 Finalissima.

Their best World Cup performances include six final appearances and three championships.

Algeria, meanwhile, returned to the global stage for their fifth World Cup appearance after previous participations in 1982, 1986, 2010 and 2014.

Their greatest achievement remains reaching the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time before losing 2-1.

The Desert Foxes are two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, having lifted the continental title in 1990 and 2019.

Before this encounter, Argentina and Algeria had met only once in a senior international friendly, with Argentina emerging victorious.

Their first-ever World Cup meeting once again highlighted the gap in experience between the two nations on football's biggest stage.

Argentina are coached by Lionel Scaloni, the architect of the country's recent golden era.

A former Argentina international defender, Scaloni guided the Albiceleste to Copa América glory in 2021 and 2024 before delivering the 2022 World Cup title.

His calm leadership and tactical flexibility have transformed Argentina into one of the world's most consistent teams.

Algeria are led by experienced Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic, who previously managed Switzerland to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2020.

Renowned for his disciplined and organized approach, Petkovic has helped rebuild Algeria into a competitive force within African football.

The night, however, belonged entirely to Messi.

The Argentine icon opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark left-footed strike before adding a second goal shortly after the hour mark.

He completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute with another superb finish from outside the penalty area.

The three goals carried enormous significance.

Firstly, they marked Messi's first World Cup hat-trick in his sixth tournament appearance.

Secondly, they reinforced his status as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, taking his international tally even further beyond every other player in the nation's history.

Finally, the hat-trick moved him level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the FIFA World Cup all-time scoring chart, placing him on the verge of becoming the tournament's outright leading goalscorer.

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