Kathmandu, June 17: Captain Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick as defending champions Argentina kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday morning.
At Kansas City Stadium, Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a brilliant finish to give Argentina an early advantage. Algeria had thought they had taken the lead in the sixth minute through Farès Chaïbi, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Messi doubled Argentina’s lead in the 60th minute, calmly finding the back of the net to put his side firmly in control. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sealing a commanding 3-0 victory for La Albiceleste.
The hat-trick was Messi’s first ever in FIFA World Cup history and saw him draw level with legendary German striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, matching the tournament scoring record.
The victory gives Argentina three points and a perfect start to their title defence at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In other matches played earlier on Wednesday, France defeated Senegal 3-1, while Norway cruised to a 4-1 victory over Iraq.
