Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable chapter in his legendary career on Tuesday night, scoring a stunning hat-trick as Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The Argentine captain not only guided the defending champions to a winning start but also etched his name deeper into football history by becoming the first player ever to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
The milestone came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old against Serbia and Montenegro at the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Messi Reaches Historic World Cup Milestones
Playing in his 200th international match for Argentina, the 38-year-old showed little sign of slowing down.
Messi’s first goal arrived in the 18th minute when he unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box that beat Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane despite the goalkeeper getting both hands to the ball.
The Argentine icon doubled the lead after capitalising on a costly error from Zidane before completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the second half, sparking wild celebrations among nearly 70,000 spectators inside Kansas City Stadium.
The three-goal performance moved Messi onto 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with German great Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s joint-highest goalscorer of all time.
It also marked his 120th goal for Argentina and made him the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick.
Controversial Challenge Sparks Red Card Debate
Despite his heroics, Messi’s performance was not without controversy.
Midway through the first half, television replays showed Messi’s studs making contact with the calf and heel area of Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi during a challenge.
Referee Szymon Marciniak allowed play to continue, while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also declined to intervene.
The incident quickly became one of the most debated moments of the match.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha argued that Messi was fortunate to remain on the pitch, describing the challenge as worthy of a red card.
Others disagreed.
Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry suggested that Messi’s focus was on playing the ball rather than deliberately harming his opponent, insisting that intent should be considered when assessing such incidents.
Had officials judged the challenge differently, Argentina’s evening—and Messi’s historic night—could have taken a very different turn.
Standing Ovation for Argentina’s Captain
Messi received a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the match, with fans rising to applaud a player who continues to redefine longevity at the highest level.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni praised his captain after the game, saying Messi continues to inspire teammates and supporters alike with performances that seem impossible for a player nearing his 39th birthday.
The victory places Argentina in a strong position in Group J as they seek to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title.
What Comes Next for Argentina?
Argentina will continue their group-stage campaign against Austria in Dallas before concluding the first round against Jordan on June 27.
Should Messi lead Argentina to another World Cup triumph, he would become the first Argentine captain to successfully defend the trophy, adding yet another achievement to a career already regarded as one of the greatest in football history.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to a remarkable night in Kansas City—one that saw Messi make history, match a long-standing scoring record, and once again remind the football world why he remains one of the game’s defining figures.
