Football icon Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable World Cup moment, producing a sensational hat-trick as Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an emphatic victory over Algeria.
In a performance that reminded the world why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players, the Argentine captain turned back the clock with three clinical finishes to inspire the reigning champions to a dominant win and immediately stamp their authority on the tournament.
The match also produced a historic first Messi’s treble became the first hat-trick recorded at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding another remarkable chapter to his legendary international career.
At 39, Messi also shattered records by becoming the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup match, extending his reputation as one of the sport’s most enduring elite performers.
With the goals, Messi added to an already extraordinary collection of achievements:
- First player in football history to score at six different FIFA World Cups.
- Oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.
- Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, extending his own record.
- Argentina’s all-time leading appearance holder.
- Most goal contributions in FIFA World Cup history (goals and assists combined).
- Only player to register a goal contribution at six different World Cups.
- Most appearances in FIFA World Cup history.
As Messi completed his hat-trick, supporters inside the stadium rose in celebration and echoed his name around the arena, acknowledging another historic display from a player whose career has repeatedly redefined football greatness.
After the final whistle, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain’s continued excellence.
“There are no words left. Every time people think he has achieved everything possible, he finds a way to make history again.”
The victory places Argentina in a strong early position in Group J and serves as a warning to the rest of the competition that even at the twilight of his career, Messi remains capable of deciding the biggest games on football’s grandest stage.
Having already conquered the sport with a World Cup title, multiple Copa América triumphs, eight Ballon d’Or awards and countless club honours, Messi’s latest masterpiece reinforces the belief that football may never witness another career quite like his.
