Argentina vs algeria

FIFA WC 2026: Record-equalling Messi fires hat-trick as Argentina brush past Algeria 3-0

Image Source: IANS

FIFA WC 2026: Lionel Messi Makes History as Argentina Cruise Past Algeria

By IANS News June 17, 2026 • 09:29 AM View: 538

Lionel Messi celebrated his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance with a hat-trick, powering defending champions Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J opener at the Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday.

In the process, Messi equalled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record with his 16 World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose of Germany. He also notably holds the records for most caps (199) and most goals (117) for Argentina, while also holding the international record for most World Cup match appearances (26) and being the only player to score in the World Cup group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final.