Messi Hat-Trick Fires Argentina to 3-0 Win Over Algeria in World Cup Opener

In the opening match of Group J at the FIFA World Cup, Argentina faced Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, with Szymon Marciniak officiating. In the first half, goals from Lionel Messi and Farès Chaïbi were both ruled out for offside before Messi broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike. After the break, Messi showcased his clinical finishing once again, scoring two more goals to complete a sensational hat-trick. His three-goal haul took his World Cup tally to 16, drawing level with Miroslav Klose and crowning him as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. In the end, Argentina cruised to a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria.



17th minute: Messi unleashed a sensational long-range strike from outside the penalty area, finding the top corner with precision to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.


60th minute: Zidane Jr. spilled a save, and Messi reacted quickest to slot home the rebound into an empty net, doubling Argentina's advantage to 2-0.

76th minute: Messi completed his hat-trick and scored his 16th FIFA World Cup goal, equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time tournament scoring record.

Team Lineups