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Lionel Messi scores hat trick as Argentina defeats Algeria in Kansas City

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 8:41 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Lionel Messi scores hat trick as Argentina defeats Algeria in Kansas City

Summary

Lionel Messi starred in Kansas City, scoring a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria during their first World Cup match on June 16, 2026. The historic game marked Kansas City's debut as a host city for the World Cup, drawing a crowd of 69,405. Messi's performance tied him with Miroslav Klose for most goals in World Cup history at 16. The event turned into a celebration of soccer, with exuberant fans filling the stadium and city streets, showcasing Argentina's colors. The World Cup atmosphere energized Kansas City as it welcomed international guests.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi scores three goals in the match against Algeria.
•Argentina begins its World Cup title defense with a 3-0 victory.
•69,405 fans attend Kansas City's first-ever World Cup game.
•The match ties Messi with Klose for World Cup goals record.
•Festivities in Kansas City highlight the global passion for soccer.

Latest Updates

8:41 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi, Argentina and the traveling circus come to town as Kansas City makes World Cup debut

What they're saying

"
This was supposed to be Kansas City's big night, making history as the city hosts a World Cup game for the first time, but Lionel Messi had to go and steal the show and make it all about himself.
— Yahoo Sports

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