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League: MLSSport: SoccerCountry: BrazilCategory: Breaking News

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

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

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.

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Yahoo Sports
Latest Updates
  • •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.
Latest Updates
  • 4:00 AMYahoo Sports — Messi salutes 'beautiful moment' after tying World Cup goals record
What they're saying
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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.

Related Teams & Leagues
Inter MiamiSporting Kansas CityMLSSoccer

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