Lionel Messi once again proved why football fans call him one of the greatest players of all time. In Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi scored a brilliant hat-trick and guided the defending champions to a strong 3-0 win over Algeria.
The match was played at Kansas City Stadium, and it became another golden chapter in Messi’s already legendary career. At an age when most footballers slow down, Messi showed that his magic, timing and hunger are still alive.
Argentina Begin Title Defence in Style
Argentina came into the match as defending world champions after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. There was pressure on Lionel Scaloni’s team because every champion starts the next tournament with huge expectations.
Algeria tried to stay organised in the early minutes, but Argentina looked sharper with the ball. Their passing was calm, their midfield was in control, and Messi was constantly finding small spaces between defenders.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Messi opened the scoring. That goal settled Argentina’s nerves and gave them control of the match. Algeria tried to respond, but they could not create enough danger in front of goal.
Messi Scores First World Cup Hat-Trick
The night became even more special in the second half. Messi scored again in the 60th minute, showing his usual awareness inside the box. Then, in the 76th minute, he completed his hat-trick with another classy finish.
This was Messi’s first hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup match. For a player who has achieved almost everything in football, this was still a fresh milestone.
The three goals took Messi level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Klose had long held the record as the all-time top scorer in men’s World Cup history. Messi has now joined him at the top, and with more matches left in the tournament, he has a chance to move ahead.
Messi Breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record
Apart from equalling Klose’s World Cup goal record, Messi also broke a major Cristiano Ronaldo record.
Cristiano Ronaldo had become the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick when he scored three goals for Portugal against Spain in the 2018 World Cup. Ronaldo was 33 years and 130 days old at that time.
Messi has now gone past that mark. At 38 years and 357 days, he became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup match.
This adds another big chapter to the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. For more than 15 years, fans have debated who is greater between the two. Even in the later stages of their careers, both players continue to appear in record books. But on this night, it was Messi who took another historic record.
200th Match for Argentina
The match was also special because it was Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina. Reaching 200 international matches is a huge achievement for any footballer. Doing it while scoring a World Cup hat-trick makes it even more memorable.
Messi has had a long journey with Argentina. He faced painful defeats in Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final. Many people once questioned whether he could deliver for his country. But after winning the Copa America in 2021, the World Cup in 2022, and now starting the 2026 World Cup with a hat-trick, that question has been answered forever.
First Male Player in Six World Cups
Messi also created history by becoming the first male footballer to play in six FIFA World Cups. His World Cup journey started in 2006, when he was a young talent with big dreams. Now, 20 years later, he is still leading Argentina on the biggest stage.
Very few athletes in any sport can stay at the top for such a long period. Messi’s fitness, intelligence and love for football have helped him extend his career beyond normal expectations.
He may not run like he did at 25, but his football brain is still unmatched. He knows when to slow the game, when to pass, when to attack, and when to finish.
A Warning to Argentina’s Rivals
Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria sends a clear message to other teams in the tournament. The defending champions are not here only to participate. They are here to fight for another title.
The team looked balanced, confident and experienced. With Messi in this form, Argentina will again be one of the most dangerous sides in the World Cup.
For Algeria, it was a tough start. They showed energy in parts, but against a player like Messi, small mistakes can quickly become goals.
Another Night for Football History
Messi’s hat-trick was not just about three goals. It was about history, emotion and greatness. He equalled Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goal record, broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s oldest hat-trick scorer record, completed his first World Cup hat-trick, played his 200th match for Argentina, and became the first male player to feature in six World Cups.
At 38, Messi is still writing football history. Many believed his 2022 World Cup triumph was the perfect ending. But this performance showed that the story is not finished yet.
Argentina won 3-0, but the night belonged to Messi.
Satyakam is a seasoned professional content writer with over 15 years of experience in creating high-quality, research-driven content for digital platforms. He specialises in business, finance, banking, law, technology, and informational blogs.
