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Messi scores World Cup hat-trick as Argentina faces Algeria

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 2:27 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Messi scores World Cup hat-trick as Argentina faces Algeria

Summary

Argentina, ranked number one, began its 2026 World Cup campaign against Algeria on Tuesday night. Lionel Messi marked the occasion with his first career World Cup hat-trick, tying the all-time goal-scoring record for the tournament. While Messi's performance drew praise, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to open his World Cup on Wednesday against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite Messi's recent achievements, analysts continue to view Ronaldo as the superior player overall, citing his historical successes in club football and physical prowess.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Argentina started the World Cup against Algeria on June 17, 2026.
•Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, tying the all-time World Cup goals record.
•Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup opener is scheduled for June 18, 2026.
•Analysts maintain Ronaldo's historical achievements place him above Messi.
•Messi's performance is seen as integral to Argentina's success in the tournament.

Latest Updates

2:27 PMYahoo Sports — Messi still not in the same class as Ronaldo despite impressive showing

What they're saying

"
Argentina, led by the illustrious Lionel Messi, entered the 2026 World Cup as the number one team in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Argentina opened its World Cup play on Tuesday night against Algeria. The 2026 World Cup is Messi’s sixth time competing in the event, and it is widely expected to be his “ultimo…
— Yahoo Sports

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