Lionel Messi scores hat-trick for Argentina in World Cup opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 8:09 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Lionel Messi's remarkable performance led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their World Cup opener on June 22, 2026. The hat-trick, achieved on Messi's 200th appearance for the national team, also tied him with Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history with 16. In the lead-up to the tournament, Messi showcased exceptional form with Inter Miami, contributing 12 goals and assists in five MLS matches. His training, marked by a competitive 'Super Liga,' saw Messi’s team score over 80 goals, far exceeding rival squads. Following the game, Brazil’s Ronaldo labeled Messi the greatest of all time, emphasizing his continued dominance on the pitch.
- •Messi scores a hat-trick against Algeria in Kansas City.
- •Argentina wins 3-0 in the World Cup opener.
- •Messi ties Klose's World Cup goal record with 16 goals.
- •Messi has 12 goal involvements in his last five Inter Miami matches.
- •Inter Miami's 'Super Liga' competition led to Messi's impressive form.
- 8:09 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi’s 80-goal feat before the World Cup left his Inter Miami teammates stunned
"Lionel Messi began his sixth World Cup by picking Algeria apart with a hat-trick that stunned just about everyone watching. Argentina won 3-0 in Kansas City, and the 38-year-old drew level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals — the most in the competition’s history.
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