Lionel Messi scores as Argentina leads Algeria in World Cup opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 1:37 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Lionel Messi scored an early goal for Argentina against Algeria in their World Cup opener on June 17, 2026, giving the defending champions a 1-0 lead. This goal marks Messi's 14th World Cup goal and his record sixth appearance in the tournament. He becomes the first to achieve this milestone and joins Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score in five World Cups. The match is taking place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where Messi's presence has drawn significant fanfare and support. Messi, who is also making his 200th international appearance, previously had a goal disallowed due to offsides just before scoring.
- •Messi gives Argentina a 1-0 lead in the first half.
- •He becomes the first player to appear in six World Cups.
- •This match is Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina.
- •Messi tied Kylian Mbappé for third on the all-time World Cup goals list.
- •Cristiano Ronaldo can also match Messi's appearance record if he plays on June 18.
- 1:37 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi becomes 2nd player to score in 5 World Cups, striking early for Argentina vs. Algeria
- 1:26 AMYahoo Sports — Messi becomes first play to make sixth World Cup appearance
"Lionel Messi became the second player to score in five World Cups, giving defending champion Argentina an early 1-0 lead over Algeria on Tuesday night. Making his record sixth appearance in the tournament, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner found a crease in the Algerian defense and easily beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane for his 14th World Cup goal, sending a blue-and-white-clad crowd packed inside Arrowhead Stadium into delirium. Moments earlier, Messi had a goal disallowed for offsides.
"Football legend Lionel Messi has become the first player to make a sixth World Cup appearance as he started Argentina's opening match at this year's tournament against Algeria on Tuesday. It's also his 200th appearance for the national team, with which he won the World Cup title in Qatar four years ago.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 1:37 AMLionel Messi becomes 2nd player to score in 5 World Cups, striking early for Argentina vs. Algeria
Lionel Messi became the second player to score in five World Cups, giving defending champion Argentina an early 1-0 lead over Algeria on Tuesday night. Making his record sixth appearance in the tournament, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner found a crease in the Algerian defense and easily beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane for his 14th World Cup goal, sending a blue-and-white-clad crowd packed inside Arrowhead Stadium into delirium. Moments earlier, Messi had a goal disallowed for offsides.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 1:26 AMMessi becomes first play to make sixth World Cup appearance
Football legend Lionel Messi has become the first player to make a sixth World Cup appearance as he started Argentina's opening match at this year's tournament against Algeria on Tuesday. It's also his 200th appearance for the national team, with which he won the World Cup title in Qatar four years ago.
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