Messi Hat-Trick Fires Argentina to 3-0 Win Over Algeria
A stunning hat-trick from the Argentina captain sent the defending champions top of Group J and into World Cup folklore once again.
Argentina announced themselves at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in emphatic fashion, brushing aside Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City thanks to a sensational hat-trick from their talisman.
A masterclass from the captain
The defending champions controlled the contest from the first whistle. The opener arrived on 17 minutes, a curling effort that nestled into the top corner. Two more goals on 60 and 76 minutes completed a perfect afternoon and equalled a long-standing World Cup scoring record.
What it means for Group J
The result puts Argentina in firm control of their group with maximum points from their opening fixture. Algeria, for their part, will rue a series of missed chances and must regroup quickly before their next match.
The bigger picture
At 38 years of age, the Argentina skipper continues to defy expectations, dragging his nation into title contention once more. With the knockout rounds approaching, La Albiceleste look every bit the team to beat.
Argentina's blend of experience and emerging talent makes them favourites in many eyes, and on this evidence it is easy to see why. The defending champions march on.
