Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria in World Cup opener

Argentina opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a victory over Algeria, powered by a hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old forward scored all three goals, helping his team overcome a difficult first half and take control after the break. Speaking after the match, Messi said he wanted to celebrate the win with his teammates and the fans, and thanked Argentine supporters for showing once again how much football is loved in the country. He said he still feels in good shape at what would be his sixth World Cup. Messi was seen in tears after his opening goal but told reporters the emotion was not related to football, describing a difficult period he has gone through in recent days. He credited the coaching staff and teammates for giving him strength and support during that time. He was named man of the match for his performance. The hat-trick took Messi's World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose at the top of the tournament's all-time scoring list.