38-year-old Inter Miami star nets first World Cup hat-trick with 3 goals as champions open 2026 campaign with Group J win in Kansas City
By St. Ginth Haokip, Kukiland Express
Kansas City, June 17 2026: Lionel Messi scored 3 goals to launch Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 title defence, his hat-trick driving a 3-0 win over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium. The 38-year-old scored every goal as La Albiceleste started Group J in front of 76,416.
With his 3 goals, Messi immediately put Argentina top of Group J. Algeria, back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014, had no reply to the Inter Miami forward’s finishing.
Messi’s first of his 3 goals came in the 18th minute. After a one-two with Julian Alvarez, he curled a left-footed strike from 20 yards past Anthony Mandrea.
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic had said pre-match there were “no special plans for Messi.” The decision cost them as Messi ran the game, with Argentina holding 68% possession before halftime.
Messi scored his second of 3 goals in the 41st minute. Enzo Fernandez played him through and Messi chipped Mandrea to make it 2-0.
Captain Riyad Mahrez and Rayan Ait-Nouri pushed Algeria forward, but every Argentina move went through Messi. He created and finished, leaving Emiliano Martinez untroubled.
Messi completed his 3-goal haul in the 63rd minute from the penalty spot. Yasser Larouci fouled Angel Di Maria, and Messi sent Mandrea the wrong way for 3-0.
By scoring 3 goals, Messi became the oldest player to record a World Cup hat-trick at 38 years and 357 days. On a day Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland also scored, Messi’s 3 goals were the standout.
Mohamed Amoura’s late header drifted wide for Algeria. The night belonged to Messi, who scored 3 goals, had 102 touches, and completed 91% of his passes in the 3-0 victory.
Player of the Match Messi said: “Three goals, three points, but it’s just the first step.” Argentina face Austria on 22 June. Algeria meet Jordan next after conceding 3 goals to Messi.
