Messi Equals World Cup Scoring Record with Hat-Trick in Argentina’s Opening Win

Lionel Messi netted his maiden World Cup hattrick to become the World Cup's joint highest scorer as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas.

The Argentine talisman scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minute to join Germany's Miroslav Klose on top of the tournament's all-time scoring list with 16 goals.

In his record sixth World Cup appearnce, the 39-year-old Messi also became the youngest and the oldest to score for his country in the tournament having found the net for the first time exactly 20 years ago, on the same ay in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro.

In his 200th international appearance, Messi scored with his trademark left footed shots in between a close-range finish to be the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in five different World Cups (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026).

Three minutes after scoring his hat-trick, Messi was subbed off to shield him from injuries, which has troubled him in the build-up to the tournament.

Your votes are in – Lionel Messi is the @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match! 🔥

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/3vywG4mg2O

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026

Player of the Match:Lionel Messi (Argentina)

After the match Lionel Messi, Argentina captain said: "I don't have the words to describe [Lionel] Messi. For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play. We're going to take it one game at a time. The team is happy; we gave playing time to a lot of players. Hopefully we can win the next one so everyone can be in the third group game."