Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina leads Algeria in World Cup opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 4:00 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to help Argentina secure a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J match on June 16, 2026, during the World Cup in Kansas City. This performance made Messi the World Cup's joint all-time leading goalscorer, tying with Miroslav Klose at 16 goals. The Argentina captain expressed joy in sharing the milestone with his family and teammates. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's impact, noting the team's unity and aiming for a strong start in the tournament. The next challenge for Argentina will be against Austria on June 19.
- •Messi scores first-ever World Cup hat-trick.
- •Argentina defeats Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City.
- •Messi ties Miroslav Klose for World Cup goals record.
- •Argentina coach Scaloni highlights team unity.
- •Next match for Argentina is against Austria on June 19.
- 4:00 AMYahoo Sports — Messi salutes 'beautiful moment' after tying World Cup goals record
"Lionel Messi saluted a "beautiful moment" after becoming the World Cup's joint all-time leading goalscorer in his record-breaking sixth finals appearance on Tuesday."To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment," Inter Miami star Messi said afterwards.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLS•Jun 17, 2026, 4:34 AMMessi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup- MLS•Jun 17, 2026, 4:10 AMLionel Messi defies age, proves he's still the GOAT in record-setting night vs. Algeria
- MLS•Jun 17, 2026, 3:45 AMSkip Bayless makes ‘bigger than Taylor Swift’ claim after Lionel Messi’s amazing World Cup hat-trick
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 3:45 AMLionel Messi Gets 10/10 | Argentina Players Rated In Incredible 3-0 Win Against Algeria
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 3:43 AMMessi, Mbappe, Haaland, Soar On An Unforgettable World Cup Tuesday
- MLS•Jun 17, 2026, 3:24 AM📸 Free pass? The flashpoint behind calls to send Messi off
