Lionel Messi was on fire in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The legend, who is likely playing his last World Cup, was at his vintage best and scored a World Cup hat-trick, adding another feather to an already illustrious career. It took Messi just 17 minutes in the match to score his first World Cup 2026 goal. It was a screamer from outside the box that beat the goalkeeper to give Argentina a 1–0 lead in the match.
His second goal was comparatively easier as he converted a simple chance after the keeper failed to get hold of the ball and deflected it towards Messi’s, who had no difficulty in putting the ball in the net in the 60th minute. 16 minutes later, Messi scored a World Cup hat-trick with a stunning shot from outside the box.
What Records Messi Made Today Vs Algeria?
Meanwhile, Messi broke a plethora of records during the game against Algeria. His third goal put the Argentina legend at the top of the list of most goals in World Cup history alongside Miroslav Klose, with 16 goals to his name. Messi leapfrogged Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits at second with 15 goals. Messi also became the first player in the world to play in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
The Argentina legend made his debut in the FIFA World Cup 2006 and scored against Serbia and Montenegro to open his account. Meanwhile, his first goal helped Messi join Cristiano Ronaldo in a rare list of players who scored in five different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Messi also became the first player in the world to score 10 goals in the FIFA World Cup after turning 35. More so, the legend is now the third oldest after Roger Milla and Pepe to score in the FIFA World Cup, and also the oldest South American to achieve the feat.
Argentina Beat Algeria
Messi’s record show in Kansas City helped the defending champions thrash Argeria 3–0 in a Group J fixture and go to the top of the table.
