Result

Holders Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City on 16 June 2026, inspired by a Lionel Messi hat-trick for the ages.

Goals

Lionel Messi 17', 60', 76' (Argentina).

Match report

Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a stunning treble, scoring in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes to sink Algeria and equal Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16. At 38, Messi also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick as the defending champions began their title defence in style. Watch the full Argentina vs Algeria highlights and all three Messi goals above.

People also ask

Who scored in Argentina vs Algeria?

Lionel Messi, with a hat-trick.

What was the final score of Argentina vs Algeria?

Argentina won 3-0.

What record did Messi equal against Algeria?

He equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16 goals and became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.