By Francis Onyach - Reporter
U.S June 17, 2026 - Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a sensational hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J on Tuesday night at Kansas City Stadium.
On a historic evening that marked his 200th international appearance for Argentina and a record sixth FIFA World Cup participation, the 38-year-old captain delivered a masterclass that left nearly 70,000 fans in attendance chanting his name throughout the match. His three goals not only secured all three points for Lionel Scaloni's side but also moved him level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.
Argentina entered the tournament as one of the favorites to retain the title they won in Qatar four years ago, and they wasted little time asserting their dominance. Algeria initially showed ambition and attempted to press high up the pitch, but they struggled to contain Messi whenever he found space between the lines.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute. Collecting possession in a central area some distance from goal, Messi surged forward before unleashing a stunning strike that flew into the top corner beyond the reach of the Algerian goalkeeper. The spectacular effort immediately became one of the standout goals of the tournament so far and gave Argentina a deserved 1-0 lead.
Algeria attempted to respond and briefly threatened the Argentine defense, even enjoying periods of possession, but clear-cut chances remained scarce. Argentina looked comfortable and organized, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez keeping the North African side largely under control.
The second goal arrived after the break and effectively put the match beyond Algeria's reach. Following sustained Argentine pressure, the Algerian goalkeeper failed to deal cleanly with a dangerous attack, allowing Messi to react quickest and convert from close range. The veteran forward showed his trademark anticipation to pounce on the loose ball and double Argentina's advantage.
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With Algeria chasing the game, spaces began to appear across the pitch, and Argentina took full advantage. Messi completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute with a goal that reminded fans of his peak Barcelona years. Combining beautifully with a teammate in a quick one-two move, he glided into the penalty area before calmly finishing to make it 3-0. It was a moment of pure class and the perfect way to complete another memorable chapter in his legendary career.
Argentina controlled the closing stages and never looked troubled as they secured a comfortable victory. Beyond the scoreline, the performance sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament. The defending champions looked balanced, disciplined, and dangerous in attack, while Messi demonstrated that age has done little to diminish his influence on the biggest stage.
For Algeria, the defeat leaves them with work to do ahead of their next Group J fixture. While they showed flashes of quality, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Argentina's superior technical ability and the brilliance of a player who continues to redefine football longevity.
Argentina's title defense could hardly have begun in more emphatic fashion, and if Messi continues producing performances like this, the Albiceleste will once again be among the teams to beat in the race for World Cup glory.