Messi scores hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 8:17 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria during their 2026 World Cup opener in Kansas City on June 17. This performance allowed Messi to draw level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer, both boasting 16 goals. The match marked Messi's 200th cap for Argentina and his record sixth World Cup appearance. His achievement drew praise from former rival Thomas Muller, who expressed admiration for Messi's continued excellence in the sport.
- •Messi leads Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria.
- •He scores three goals, tying Klose's World Cup record.
- •The match is Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina.
- •Messi becomes the first player to play in six World Cups.
- •Thomas Muller praises Messi's performance on social media.
- 8:17 AMYahoo Sports — Alan Shearer was lost for words after Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick against Algeria
- 7:22 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi’s former World Cup rival left speechless after hat-trick in opener against Algeria
"Thomas Muller spent years crossing paths with Lionel Messi on football’s biggest stages — but even he was left in awe by the Argentine’s latest World Cup performance. Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer.
"Alan Shearer has seen more than his fair share of great goalscorers over the years, but even he was left speechless by Lionel Messi’s latest World Cup performance. Messi netted a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in World Cup history.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 8:17 AMAlan Shearer was lost for words after Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat-trick against Algeria
Alan Shearer has seen more than his fair share of great goalscorers over the years, but even he was left speechless by Lionel Messi’s latest World Cup performance. Messi netted a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in World Cup history.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:22 AMLionel Messi’s former World Cup rival left speechless after hat-trick in opener against Algeria
Thomas Muller spent years crossing paths with Lionel Messi on football’s biggest stages — but even he was left in awe by the Argentine’s latest World Cup performance. Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer.
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