FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group J Results
Argentina 3-0 Algeria (Lionel Messi 8′, 53′ 84′)
Kansas City, United States: Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable FIFA World Cup performance on Tuesday night, scoring a sensational hat-trick as defending champions Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match of the 2026 tournament.
The three goals saw the Argentine captain equal German legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, further cementing his place among football’s greatest-ever players.
Playing in his record sixth World Cup and just days before his 39th birthday, Messi delivered a masterclass at Kansas City Stadium, silencing any lingering concerns over a recent hamstring injury that had threatened to disrupt his preparations for the tournament.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring early in the match after combining brilliantly with Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The goal sparked emotional scenes as Messi appeared overcome with emotion while celebrating.
After the match, the Argentine superstar revealed that his tears were linked to personal challenges he had recently experienced.
“My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to football. And those feelings were because of that,” Messi said.
“I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.”
Messi doubled Argentina’s advantage shortly after halftime, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area before calmly finishing past the Algerian goalkeeper.
With the world champions firmly in control, the veteran forward completed his hat-trick late in the contest with a trademark clinical finish that sent the largely Argentine crowd into celebration.
The Inter Miami star was later substituted to a standing ovation from the 69,045 spectators inside the stadium.
History Made Again
Messi’s hat-trick was historic on multiple fronts.
The three goals moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, placing him joint-top on the tournament’s all-time scoring chart.
It was also the 61st hat-trick of Messi’s professional career, his 11th for Argentina and remarkably his first-ever World Cup hat-trick despite having featured in the competition for two decades.
Tuesday’s performance came exactly 20 years after Messi made his FIFA World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, a match in which he also scored.
The Argentine captain has now scored in five consecutive World Cup matches and became only the second player in history to score in five different editions of the tournament.
“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I’m living through now is the cherry on top,” Messi said. “I’m very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I enjoy it so much.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was left searching for words after another remarkable display from his captain. “At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?” Scaloni said. “He’s incredible.”
The victory gives Argentina a perfect start to their title defence as they pursue a fourth World Cup crown and attempt to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
Messi Overshadows Mbappe, Haaland
Messi’s record-equalling night came on a day when several of football’s biggest stars also produced standout performances.
Earlier, France captain Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal to move onto 14 World Cup goals, while Norway striker Erling Haaland netted a brace in a 4-1 win over Iraq.
Yet the spotlight ultimately belonged to Messi.
Even Haaland could not hide his admiration, posting on social media during the match: “Messi is a madman.”
Argentina’s Engine Keeps Running
Questions had surrounded Messi’s fitness after he suffered a minor hamstring issue while playing for Inter Miami before the tournament.
However, he showed no signs of discomfort against Algeria, covering ground effortlessly and orchestrating Argentina’s attacking play throughout the match.
“This is my sixth World Cup, and I still feel like I’m in good shape,” Messi said. “Fortunately, I’m doing well, and today we managed to win a tough match. It’s important to start the tournament with a victory in the first game, as that’s never easy in a World Cup.”
Messi’s appearance against Algeria was also the 200th of his international career, another milestone in a career already overflowing with records.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa have made more appearances for their national teams.
With the record now matched and several matches still ahead, it appears only a matter of time before Messi surpasses Klose and becomes the outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
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