Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in a group stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in Kansas City, USA. The match took place on June 16, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Messi, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, scored three goals in the first half, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the tournament at age 39. He also tied Miroslav Klose's record for most World Cup goals by a European player, though Klose holds the all-time record with 16 goals.
Argentina's win puts them in a strong position in Group C, with their next match against Saudi Arabia scheduled for June 21, 2026. Algeria, making their fourth World Cup appearance, will face Poland in their next group match.
