Messi Magic in Kansas City as Argentina Begin Title Defence in Style
Photo by Debjoy Biswas\Pixel Sports
Some nights feel written for Lionel Messi. Kansas City witnessed one of those again.
Argentina began their FIFA World Cup 2026 title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria, and once again, it was Messi who owned the stage. On his 200th senior international appearance, the 38-year-old scored a brilliant hat-trick and equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals.
Argentina started with intent, though the opening few minutes had drama at both ends. Messi had one effort ruled out for offside, while Algeria’s Fares Chaibi also saw a goal chalked off. But it did not take long for Argentina’s captain to make the night his own.
In the 17th minute, Messi picked up the ball around 30 yards from goal, turned away from his marker with ease, moved forward and curled a beautiful finish past Luca Zidane. It was vintage Messi — simple, sharp and impossible to stop.
Algeria did well to stay in the game for the rest of the first half. They kept Argentina away from too many clear chances, while Anis Hadj Moussa had a decent opening, only for his deflected effort to be comfortably collected by Emiliano Martinez.
After the break, Argentina slowly took control again, and Messi remained at the centre of everything. He first went close from distance, then created danger by slipping in Lautaro Martinez.
The second goal arrived on the hour mark. Alexis Mac Allister’s powerful strike was not held cleanly by Zidane, and Messi reacted quickest to finish the rebound with his right foot.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. In the 76th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick with another trademark curling finish from the edge of the box. That goal took him level with Klose’s World Cup record — a historic moment on a historic night.
For Argentina, this was the perfect start. Three goals, three points, and their greatest player still making history on the biggest stage.
Messi will now have the chance to break the record outright when Argentina face Austria on 22 June. Algeria, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against Jordan in their next Group J match.
