Lionel Messi scores hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria

Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in a 2026 World Cup group stage match held at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas. Lionel Messi, aged 38, scored all three goals in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes, marking his first hat-trick in a World Cup tournament. With these goals, Messi reached a total of 16 career World Cup goals, equalling the all-time record set by Miroslav Klose. This match also marked Messi's 200th appearance for the national team and his historic participation in a record sixth World Cup final tournament. The opposing goalkeeper was Luca Zidane. Argentina is scheduled to face Austria on June 22, while Algeria will play Jordan on June 23.