Messi's magical hat-trick drowns Algeria 3-0 in Argentina's Cup opener, becomes joint top scorer in World Cup history
Missouri, June 17
Some legends age like fine-wine and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi showed that he is stil the Greatest of All time as he lead defending champions Argentina to a 3-0 rout of Algeria with a super display of touch football. Messi kicked off his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign off in a brilliant fashion for the La Albiceleste as he put on a masterclass display for the world to sit back and admire.
Lionel Messi's first World Cup hat-trick makes him the joint top scorer in men's World Cup history with 16 goals, level with Germany's Miroslav Klose. The hat-trick comes a week before his 39th birthday making him the oldest player to ever score a hat-trick at a World Cup.
Notably, Messi scored the hat-trick exactly 20 years since his first World Cup goal, which came on June 16, 2006, in Argentina's 6-0 win over Serbia in the 2006 World Cup.
In his 200th appearance for Argentina. A quick free-kick from De Paul found Messi in midfield, and the captain took off through the heart of the pitch. Spotting an opening, he unleashes a thunderous strike from distance that brushes the fingertips of Luca Zidane before crashing into the top corner as Argentina found the first goal of the day in the 17th minute.
It was Messi once again on the scoresheet, after a clever disguised pass set Gonzalez free down the left wing. Gonzalez delivered a cross into the box that was heroically cleared to Mac Allister in midfield. The Liverpool star struck from range, but Zidane could only push the low effort into a dangerous area. Messi, who had quietly positioned himself, reacted quickest to tap in the rebound for one of the easiest goals of his career.
In the 76th minute, Messi started the move himself with a mazy dribble in the centre circle before releasing it wide to Nico Gonzalez on the left. The substitute had taken a touch and then laid it back to Messi on the edge of the box. What followed was inevitable, as the Argentine legend curled a low drive into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Messi scoring a hat-trick in his 200th match for Argentina… what more can you say? He’s not just the GOAT, he’s the eternal legend of this beautiful game. Watching him play is like watching a painter create art – every touch, every run, every finish is a masterpiece. The young players in India should study his movement off the ball, especially that tap-in. That’s not luck, that’s genius positioning.
Just one thought – while Messi’s brilliance is undeniable, Algeria were already down after those early injuries in their squad. Would have loved to see a more competitive match to truly test this Argentina side. Still, you can’t take anything away from La Pulga. That first goal was a rocket and I’m telling you, this tournament is going to be epic! 🇦🇷🎉
As someone who grew up watching Ronaldo vs Messi debates in India, seeing him hit 16 World Cup goals at 39… goosebumps! But let’s be honest, the level of opposition matters. Algeria are a good African side but not among the elite. Argentina’s real test will come against European powerhouses. Still, amazing way to start the defence of the title. And that Di Maria-like assist from DePaul for the first goal was class!
Watching Messi from across the globe here in Canada, and I have to say – this man defies logic. 39 years old, 200 caps, and still scoring hat-tricks at a World Cup? Unreal. I only wish football had this kind of media coverage when Pele was playing. Imagine the TikTok reels of that free-kick turn and run! ⚽🔥
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