World Cup 2026: Messi Equals Klose's All-Time Goals Record with Hat-Trick As Argentina Defeat Algeria 3-0

Spread the love

By Sedara Philip

Defending champions Argentina launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday morning.

The night belonged to captain Lionel Messi, who delivered a vintage performance by scoring all three goals to secure the win for Lionel Scaloni’s side and etch his name further into football history.

Messi’s remarkable hat-trick took his World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s joint all-time leading scorer.

Argentina appeared to have taken the lead as early as the fifth minute when Messi found the back of the net after a swift attacking move. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the assistant referee’s flag ruled the effort out for offside.

The early drama continued just three minutes later when Algeria thought they had stunned the reigning world champions. Fares Chaibi calmly slotted home after being released by Ibrahim Maza, but a VAR review confirmed that the Desert Foxes’ effort would also be disallowed for offside.

Those warning signs seemed to awaken Argentina, who gradually took control of proceedings and began imposing themselves on the contest.

Their breakthrough finally arrived in the 17th minute. A clever one-two between Messi and Rodrigo De Paul opened space just outside the penalty area, and the Argentine skipper seized the opportunity with trademark precision, curling a superb effort into the top-right corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Algeria showed determination and defensive resilience for much of the first half, but Argentina’s superior quality and possession gradually wore down their resistance.

The South Americans doubled their advantage in the 60th minute when Messi reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area. The veteran forward pounced on a rebound and fired a low shot into the centre of the net to put Argentina firmly in control.

With the defending champions cruising towards victory, the historic moment arrived in the 76th minute.

Substitute Nicolas Gonzalez provided a neat pass to Messi just outside the area. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner shifted effortlessly past his marker before producing a trademark curling finish into the bottom-left corner, completing a magnificent hat-trick and sending the Argentine supporters into celebration.

The goal not only sealed an emphatic victory but also saw Messi equal Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.

Argentina comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to secure all three points and make the ideal start to their title defence.

The result puts Scaloni’s men in a strong position in Group J ahead of their second fixture against Austria.

Algeria, meanwhile, will need to respond quickly if they are to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. The Desert Foxes now turn their attention to a crucial clash against Jordan, where a positive result could reignite their World Cup campaign.