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Messi scores hat trick in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 6:24 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Messi scores hat trick in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria

Summary

Argentina began its 2026 World Cup title defense with a 3-0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16, led by Lionel Messi's historic hat trick. Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a long-range shot and followed with goals in the 60th and 76th minutes, bringing his total World Cup goals to 16, tying the record held by Miroslav Klose. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, present for the match, expressed his admiration for Messi via social media, showcasing three goat emojis in response to Messi’s performance. Argentina's next match is against Austria on June 22, where Messi has the potential to break the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Lionel Messi scored three goals to lead Argentina past Algeria, 3-0.
•Messi ties Miroslav Klose's World Cup goals record with his 16th goal.
•Patrick Mahomes attended the match, celebrating Messi's achievement.
•Argentina's next game is against Austria on June 22.

Latest Updates

6:24 AMYahoo Sports — Patrick Mahomes sums up Lionel Messi’s World Cup performances with perfect emoji
3:33 AMYahoo Sports — Patrick Mahomes uses 3 emojis to describe Lionel Messi's World Cup opener

What they're saying

"
Patrick Mahomes needed just one emoji to sum up Lionel Messi’s breathtaking World Cup performance after the Argentina captain scored a hat-trick against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium. Messi delivered yet another historic display on football’s biggest stage, scoring all three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win as he moved level with Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
— Yahoo Sports