Lionel Messi scored a spectacular hat-trick on his 200th international cap to lead Argentina to a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The three goals brought Messi level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, while also making him the first male player to appear in six different World Cups and the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick at 38 years and 357 days.
Key Takeaways
- Messi ties Klose’s record: Three goals brought Messi to 16 World Cup goals, matching the German legend’s all-time tally with two group-stage matches still remaining
- Six-World-Cup pioneer: Messi became the first male player in football history to play in six different World Cup tournaments (2006–2026)
- Oldest hat-trick scorer: At 38 years and 357 days, Messi surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo as the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick
- Argentina tops Group J: The 3-0 win puts La Albiceleste first on goal difference ahead of Austria, who beat Jordan 2-0
- Standing ovation: Over 70,000 fans gave Messi a minutes-long standing ovation when he was substituted in the 80th minute
How Messi’s Historic Hat-Trick Unfolded
Algeria started bravely, controlling 53% of possession and pressing Argentina’s midfield with high energy. But greatness needs only a fraction of a second to change everything.
17th Minute (1-0) — Rodrigo De Paul spotted a pocket of space outside the box and fed a sharp pass to Messi. With a single touch, the maestro unleashed a venomous long-range strike that flew past Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, setting Arrowhead Stadium alight.
60th Minute (2-0) — As Algeria pushed forward for an equalizer, Argentina’s lethal counter-attack struck. A fierce shot inside the box was parried by Zidane, but Messi anticipated the rebound perfectly, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net.
76th Minute (3-0) — The crowning moment arrived late. Standing on the edge of the penalty area, Messi chopped inside to open up a yard of space and curled a sublime, signature left-footed effort into the top far corner. Complete perfection.
When manager Lionel Scaloni substituted Messi in the 80th minute to give young Nico Paz some minutes, all 70,000+ fans rose to their feet for a deafening, minutes-long standing ovation for the undisputed Greatest of All Time.
Three Records Broken in One Night
Messi’s virtuoso performance broke three monumental records simultaneously:
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Six-Editions Pioneer | First male player to play in six World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) |
| All-Time Top Scorer | 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose — with two group matches remaining to claim the outright record |
| Oldest Hat-Trick Scorer | 38 years, 357 days — surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous mark |
For SEA fans watching in the early morning hours (UTC+7/UTC+8), this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment to witness football history live.
Group J Standings After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | Played | Goal Diff | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 1 | +3 | 3 |
| 2 | Austria | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| 3 | Jordan | 1 | -2 | 0 |
| 4 | Algeria | 1 | -3 | 0 |
Argentina will face Austria in Dallas on Monday, June 22, looking to secure their knockout-stage ticket. Meanwhile, Algeria heads to San Francisco to fight for tournament survival against Jordan.
What This Means for Messi’s Legacy
With two group-stage matches remaining, Messi has a clear path to surpass Klose’s record outright and become the sole holder of the most prestigious scoring record in international football. His move to Inter Miami CF has given him a unique advantage — he is fully accustomed to North American playing conditions, climate, and travel demands, which could prove decisive as the tournament progresses.
For Southeast Asian fans, every remaining Argentina match is now appointment viewing. Whether you are watching at 7 AM in Bangkok or 8 AM in Manila, set your alarms and prepare for what could be the final chapter of the greatest career in football history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup goals does Messi have now?
Messi has 16 World Cup goals after his hat-trick against Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. He has two more group-stage matches to potentially break the record outright.
Has anyone else played in six World Cups?
No. Messi is the first male player in football history to appear in six different World Cup tournaments, spanning from 2006 to 2026.
Who is the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick?
Lionel Messi, at 38 years and 357 days old, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record with his three goals against Algeria.
When is Argentina’s next World Cup match?
Argentina faces Austria in Dallas on Monday, June 22. For SEA viewers, expect an early morning kick-off around 7:00–8:00 AM UTC+7/UTC+8.
Can Argentina still be eliminated in the group stage?
It is highly unlikely. With 3 points and a +3 goal difference after one match, Argentina would need to lose both remaining games heavily to miss out on the knockout rounds.