Argentina opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding victory over Algeria, powered by a sensational performance from Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the match, marking the first time in his World Cup career that he has netted three goals in a single game. His performance proved decisive in securing all three points for Argentina.
The goals took Messi’s total tally in World Cup history to 16, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring charts.
Behind them, Ronaldo Nazário sits in second place with 15 goals, while Gerd Müller and Kylian Mbappé share third place on 14 goals each.
