Lionel Messi delivered one of the most iconic performances of his legendary career on Tuesday, netting a hat trick to lead defending champions Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City. Messi scored in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes — his first-ever hat trick at a World Cup across six tournament appearances.
The three goals moved Messi level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. The milestone came on Messi's record sixth World Cup tournament and his 200th international appearance for Argentina, the reigning world champions.
The result sets Argentina firmly on course to defend their title as the 48-team tournament gets underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Elsewhere Tuesday, France defeated Senegal 3-1 with Kylian Mbappé netting twice, while Erling Haaland scored a brace as Norway thrashed Iraq 4-1.