Messi hat trick ties World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0

Tuesday, June 16, 2026Confirmed

Sports Desk

What we know

Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat trick on Tuesday as defending champion Argentina opened Group J with a 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. The goals moved Messi onto 16 career World Cup goals, tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the men’s tournament scoring record, and answered questions about a minor hamstring issue heading into the finals.

Messi finished early, on the hour, and again from the edge of the box before leaving to a standing ovation from a crowd of about 69,045. Argentina next faces Austria; Algeria faces Jordan.

What's confirmed

Final: Argentina 3-0 Algeria at Kansas City Stadium; Messi 17', 60', 76' (AP/FIFA/Sky Sports).
Messi first World Cup hat trick; career World Cup goals to 16, tied with Klose (AP/FIFA).
Crowd ~69,045; Messi subbed after treble to ovation (AP).
Argentina next Austria June 22; Algeria next Jordan (FIFA/AP).

What's still developing

Whether Messi breaks Klose’s record outright against Austria.
How Algeria adjusts after conceding three to Argentina’s captain.

Sources

AP News — Lionel Messi shines with World Cup hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria link
AP News — Messi ties men's FIFA World Cup scoring record with a hat trick link
FIFA — Record-equalling Messi inspires Argentina — Argentina 3-0 Algeria link
Sky Sports — Argentina 3-0 Algeria — Messi hat-trick levels all-time World Cup scoring charts link