After five days of action, the reigning world champions finally took center stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and they did not disappoint.
Argentina opened their Group J campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday, powered by a sensational Lionel Messi hat-trick in what is expected to be the final World Cup of his legendary career.
The atmosphere was electric long before kick-off. Thousands of Argentina supporters gathered outside the team’s hotel hours before the match, while Algeria’s fans brought their own passion and energy to a packed stadium in Kansas City.
Messi was named in the starting lineup, while Algeria handed a start to German-born midfielder Ibrahim Maza, who has Vietnamese heritage.
Fast Start and Early Drama
Argentina began on the front foot, dominating possession and looking to stretch Algeria’s defensive shape with quick passing combinations.
Messi thought he had opened the scoring just five minutes into the match when he found the back of the net, but celebrations were cut short after the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
Algeria then had a goal of their own ruled out moments later. Fares Chaibi finished clinically after breaking through Argentina’s defense, only to see the effort disallowed for offside.
The early exchanges were lively, with both sides showing attacking intent despite the scoreline remaining level.
Messi Breaks the Deadlock
Argentina’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 17th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from their captain.
After exchanging passes with Rodrigo De Paul on the edge of the penalty area, Messi unleashed a stunning curling effort into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Luca Zidane with absolutely no chance.
The goal settled Argentina and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the defending champions.
Algeria responded positively and pushed forward in search of an equalizer, creating a more open and entertaining contest. However, Argentina’s superior control of possession gradually began to take its toll.
Thiago Almada came close to doubling the lead before halftime but fired over the crossbar from a promising position inside the box.
Argentina carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.
Messi Makes More History
The second half began with Algeria attempting to increase the pressure, but Argentina remained composed.
Messi nearly added another goal shortly after the restart, sending a long-range effort over the bar before continuing to torment the Algerian defense.
His second goal arrived in the 60th minute.
After a loose ball fell kindly inside the penalty area, the Argentine captain reacted quickest and calmly slotted home to make it 2-0.
The strike carried added significance, as Messi equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable achievement of scoring in five different FIFA World Cups, becoming only the second player in history to reach the milestone.
Algeria tried to respond, and Ibrahim Maza tested Argentina from distance with a powerful effort that took a deflection before going out for a corner.
At the other end, Luca Zidane denied Messi another goal with an excellent save after the forward broke through on goal.
Hat-Trick Hero
The inevitable third goal arrived in the 76th minute.
Messi completed his hat-trick with another clinical finish, putting the result beyond any doubt and capping off one of the standout individual performances of the tournament so far.
Four minutes later, the 39-year-old superstar received a standing ovation as he was substituted for Nico Paz.
Argentina comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, controlling possession and denying Algeria any route back into the contest.
Full-Time: Argentina 3-0 Algeria
The reigning world champions could hardly have asked for a better start to their World Cup title defense.
With Lionel Messi producing a vintage masterclass and recording his first hat-trick of the 2026 tournament, Argentina sent a clear message to the rest of the field: the champions remain one of the teams to beat.
Scorers:
- Lionel Messi (17′, 60′, 76′)
Final Score:
Argentina 3-0 Algeria