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

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 10:11 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

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

Summary

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their World Cup opener on June 17, 2026. This marked his record-equalling sixth tournament appearance and he matched Miroslav Klose with 16 World Cup goals. Kylian Mbappé contributed two goals in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal, becoming France's all-time leading scorer. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland debuted with two goals in Norway's 4-1 win against Iraq, setting the stage for a competitive quest for the Golden Boot this tournament.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Messi's hat-trick makes him the oldest men's World Cup hat-trick scorer.
•Mbappé scored two goals, raising his World Cup tally to 14.
•Haaland netted a brace in Norway's World Cup debut against Iraq.
•Argentina's victory marks their title defense in this tournament.
•France looks to build on their success from the previous World Cup.

Latest Updates

10:11 AMYahoo Sports — Messi and Mbappé race for World Cup immortality as Haaland joins in

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi boosted his claim to be Mr World Cup with a hat-trick in Argentina's successful start to the defence of their title, but France star Kylian Mbappé is fighting for the crown himself. Messi had looked set to leave the World Cup behind when he lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2002.
— Yahoo Sports

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