Messi’s Hat-Trick Powers Argentina to 3-0 Win Over Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener

Defending champions Argentina began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J fixture at Kansas City Stadium. Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a sensational hat-trick as La Albiceleste secured all three points and made a strong statement in their title defence.

Four years after suffering a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup 2022, Argentina finally erased that painful memory. Led by their iconic captain, the South American giants produced a dominant performance to start their 2026 World Cup journey on a winning note.

📊 Match Result

Half-Time: Argentina 1-0 Algeria

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⚽ Messi Hat-Trick Goals

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute to give Argentina an early advantage. Algeria worked hard to stay in the contest, but the defending champions controlled possession and dictated the tempo throughout the match.

The Argentine captain struck again in the 60th minute to double the lead before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sending thousands of Argentina supporters into celebration and securing a comfortable victory for Lionel Scaloni’s side.

🌟 Messi Responds in Style

Just hours after headlines around the world focused on Kylian Mbappé overtaking Lionel Messi on the FIFA World Cup scoring charts following France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, the Argentine legend delivered the perfect response.

Messi’s three-goal performance once again demonstrated his enduring class and influence on the international stage. In his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, the football icon showed that he remains one of the biggest stars of the global game.

🇦🇷 Argentina Starting XI

Argentina featured a strong lineup packed with World Cup-winning experience and emerging talent.

• Emiliano Martínez
• Nahuel Molina
• Cristian Romero
• Nicolás Otamendi
• Nicolás Tagliafico
• Rodrigo De Paul
• Enzo Fernández
• Alexis Mac Allister
• Lionel Messi
• Julián Álvarez
• Lautaro Martínez

🇩🇿 Algeria Line-Up

Algeria entered the tournament hoping to create an upset similar to Saudi Arabia’s famous victory over Argentina in 2022. However, despite moments of resilience, they were unable to contain Messi and Argentina’s attacking quality.

🎯 Key Match Highlights

✅ Lionel Messi scored the first hat-trick of Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

✅ Argentina kept a clean sheet in their opening Group J fixture.

✅ The defending champions started their title defence with a convincing victory.

✅ Algeria failed to capitalize on their limited opportunities in front of goal.

✅ Argentina secured an important three points in the race for qualification to the knockout stage.

📋 Group J Standings

🔜 Argentina’s Next Matches

Argentina will continue their Group J campaign with two crucial fixtures:

With Messi in inspired form and confidence high after a commanding opening victory, Argentina will be aiming to secure qualification to the knockout stage as early as possible.

📺 Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live

Football fans in India can watch FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on Zee Keralam with Malayalam commentary and stream every match on ZEE5 in multiple languages.

The defending champions have started in style, and if Lionel Messi continues producing performances like this, Argentina will once again be among the favourites to lift football’s biggest prize.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Today Match Schedule (IST) – 17 June/18 June