Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina faces Algeria in World Cup opener

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria during the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 16 in Kansas City, Missouri. Messi’s goals came in the 14th, 60th, and 76th minutes, marking his first World Cup hat-trick and tying him with Miroslav Klose for the all-time World Cup goals record at 16. The match also saw Messi become the oldest Argentine player to score in a World Cup, celebrating his 200th international appearance. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland also scored during the tournament's opening matches, making it a standout day for top players. Argentina will play Austria next on June 22.

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