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Argentina Shines as Messi Sets World Cup Scoring Record in 3-0 Win Over Algeria

Lionel Messi opened the World Cup with a dazzling display, scoring three goals to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria. His hat-trick not only secured a perfect start for the defending champions but also tied him with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer at 16 goals.

While stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland grabbed attention elsewhere, Messi delivered the most outstanding individual performance of the 2026 World Cup so far. Early in the match, both sides saw goals ruled out for offside, but it was Messi who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a fierce strike that gave Argentina the lead.

Algeria pressed hard but struggled against a solid Argentine defense led by coach Lionel Scaloni. The game shifted decisively when goalkeeper Luca Zidane mishandled a shot from Alexis Mac Allister, allowing Messi to tap in his second goal on the hour mark.

Ten minutes later, Messi curled a precise shot into the bottom corner to complete his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, equaling Klose’s record and marking a historic moment in the sport.

The Defining Moment

Miroslav Klose finally has some company. pic.twitter.com/Fr8H4RrCFJ— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) June 17, 2026

This feat came exactly two decades after Messi scored his first World Cup goal as an 18-year-old substitute during the 2006 tournament. Tonight, he received a perfectly timed pass from teammate Rodrigo De Paul, controlled the ball masterfully, and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Zidane. This goal made Messi the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in five different World Cups.

His second goal moved him level with Brazil’s Ronaldo at 15 career World Cup goals, just ahead of Mbappé. The final goal of the night showcased Messi’s trademark curling finish, securing the hat-trick and setting the stage for his legendary status to continue.

Argentina Lineup and Player Ratings (4-4-2)

  • GK Emiliano Martínez – 7.0: Comfortable throughout as Algeria failed to pose any real threat.
  • RB Gonzalo Montiel – 6.8: Initially struggled with marking but improved as the match progressed.
  • CB Cristian Romero – 7.2: Reliable defensively and distributed well from the back.
  • CB Lisandro Martínez – 7.7: Dominant presence who thwarted Algeria’s key attacks.
  • LB Facundo Medina – 7.2: Worked tirelessly down the flank and held firm defensively.
  • RM Rodrigo De Paul – 8.2: Silenced critics with superb passing and relentless work rate.
  • CM Alexis Mac Allister – 7.2: Controlled possession and tracked back effectively.
  • CM Enzo Fernández – 7.5: Directed play from deep, setting the tempo with impressive touches.
  • LM Thiago Almada – 7.0: Bright early on though influence faded late.
  • ST Lionel Messi – 9.7: Celebrated his 200th cap with a record-breaking, masterful performance.
  • ST Lautaro Martínez – 6.5: Rarely involved, denied by the goalkeeper on his main chance.

Substitutes’ Impact

  • Nahuel Molina (46’ for Montiel) – 6.9: Solid defensively despite some loose possession.
  • Nicolás González (55’ for Almada) – 7.2: Created space and assisted Messi’s historic third goal.
  • Julián Alvarez (55’ for Lautaro Martínez) – 6.0: Limited opportunity as Argentina eased off.
  • Nicolás Otamendi (80’ for Romero) – 6.5: Made key defensive plays in a brief appearance.
  • Nico Paz (80’ for Messi) – 6.2: Came on late with little chance to impact.

Unused subs included goalkeepers Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso, along with defenders and midfielders like Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, and others.

Key Takeaways from the Match

Rodrigo De Paul was a standout, reminding everyone why he remains vital for Argentina despite recent criticism. His creativity and grit shone through, elevating his game with the national team.

Enzo Fernández impressed by playing as a deep-lying playmaker, controlling the flow much like he did when winning Best Young Player at Qatar 2022. He looked comfortable and influential on this stage.

On the other hand, Lautaro Martínez continues to search for a breakout World Cup moment. His starting role surprised some, and Julián Alvarez might get the nod next time versus Austria.

Statistical Highlights

Argentina’s defense was rock solid, preventing Algeria from registering a single shot on target. Messi alone accounted for 1.03 of Argentina’s total 1.23 expected goals, outperforming expectations.

Two decades after becoming Argentina’s youngest World Cup scorer, Messi now holds the record as the oldest player to net a hat-trick in the tournament. The match at Arrowhead Stadium served as a memorable chapter in his already storied career.

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