Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick to lead the defending champions to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 tournament opener.
The 38-year-old delivered a commanding performance, netting all three goals as Argentina began their title defence in dominant fashion.
Messi opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike before adding two more to complete a memorable hat-trick on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina controlled the contest from start to finish, limiting Algeria to few clear chances despite brief spells of possession.
The victory marks a strong start for the South American side in Group J, as they look to become the first nation in over six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Messi, featuring at a record-extending sixth World Cup, once again underlined his enduring quality and influence at the highest level. The Argentine captain dictated the tempo of the game, combined effectively with his teammates, and showed sharpness in front of goal that belied his age.
His performance not only sets the tone for Argentina’s campaign but also reinforces his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats, continuing to deliver on football’s biggest stage even in the latter stages of his career.
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