Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored his first career World Cup hat trick to secure a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opening match on Tuesday evening at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The victory launched Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup title defense, keeping the reigning champions at the top of the international football scene.
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Messi's Historic Performance
Messi opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful 20-meter curling strike following a pass from Rodrigo De Paul.
He doubled the lead at the hour mark by capitalizing on a loose ball.
He completed his hat trick in the 76th minute with a trademark left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty box.
The goal marked his 16th World Cup goal, matching German striker Miroslav Klose's historic tournament scoring record.
The match also marked Messi's 200th international appearance for Argentina.
He became the second player ever to score across five different World Cup editions, exactly 20 years after his international tournament debut against Serbia and Montenegro.
Prior to the tournament, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner overcame a hamstring injury sustained on May 25 with Inter Miami.
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He recently tested his fitness during a 20-minute appearance in a friendly against Iceland.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni selected Lautaro Martinez to lead the attack for the opening game.
The decision came amid a selection dilemma regarding Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, who has been undergoing a specialized individual recovery program using platelet-rich plasma injections to treat a persistent ankle sprain sustained in late April during the Champions League semifinals against Arsenal.
