The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi’s first match at the 2026 World Cup was one for the record books.

The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.