Lionel Messi Scores a Hat-Trick, Argentina Crushes Algeria 3-0 at the 2026 World Cup

Argentina National Team got their World Cup title defence off to a convincing start. Led by an outstanding performance from Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste crushed Algeria 3-0 in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J fixture at Kansas City Stadium, early Wednesday WIB.

Messi was the centre of attention for the entire match after scoring every single one of Argentina's goals. The captain's hat-trick did not only secure three critical points for the defending champions, it also reaffirmed that he remains the core driving force for Argentina's campaign across North America.

Argentina pressed aggressively from the very first minute. Messi even found the back of Algeria's net just 5 minutes into the fixture, but the goal was ruled offside by the match official.

Three minutes later, Fares Chaibi managed to beat Emiliano Martinez at the opposite end, though this strike was also disallowed for an offside position.

Argentina finally broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. Rodrigo De Paul played a piercing through ball which Messi met with a thunderous shot into the top corner of the goal, leaving Luca Zidane completely unable to make a save.

Shortly before half time, Fares Chaibi attempted a long range effort, but his shot sailed clear over the crossbar.

As the second half kicked off, Algeria pushed forward more openly in pursuit of an equaliser. This tactical choice instead opened up far more space for Argentina to mount counter attacks.

Argentina came within inches of doubling their lead through Lautaro Martinez after he received a pass from Enzo Fernandez, only for Luca Zidane to pull off a critical save.

Argentina's second goal arrived in the 60th minute. Alexis Mac Allister's strike was blocked by an Algerian defender, but the loose rebound dropped directly to Messi. La Pulga fired the loose ball home to take the scoreline to 2-0.

With a two goal cushion, Argentina played with mounting confidence. In the 77th minute, Messi collected possession just outside the penalty area before placing an accurate finish into the far corner of the net, stretching Argentina's advantage to 3-0.

This 3-0 scoreline held firm until the final whistle was blown.