Messi ties men's World Cup scoring record, puts on show for Argentina vs. Algeria
- On Tuesday, Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to tie Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals, leading Argentina to a 3-0 Group J victory over Algeria at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.
- Despite a minor hamstring injury at Inter Miami that raised pre-tournament concerns, Messi proved his fitness by scoring on a penalty kick in a warm-up against Iceland last week while playing 20 minutes.
- Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute off a Rodrigo de Paul assist, doubled Argentina's lead in the 60th minute from a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister's shot deflected off goalkeeper Luca Zidane, and completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute.
- The 38-year-old's appearance marked his 200th international cap and made him the first player ever to feature in six World Cups; he also became only the second to score in five different World Cup editions alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Messi can claim the outright record with his 17th goal in upcoming Group J matches against Austria and Jordan next week, while France's Kylian Mbappé trails by two goals after scoring a brace against Senegal earlier Tuesday.
330 Articles
330 Articles
With a historic Messi, Argentina begin their title defense by thrashing Algeria
Argentina began their defense of the World Cup title won in Qatar 2022 on Tuesday with a 3-0 thrashing of Algeria, in the Group J opener of the 2026 World Cup, played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Captain Lionel Messi guided Lionel Scaloni's side with a hat-trick that left him atop the tournament's all-time scoring history.
On a night when it seemed that the young stars in the fullness of their career were making their intention clear, a time when the change of watch in world football seemed imminent, Lionel Messi sent...
Thanks to a historic Lionel Messi, Argentina has easily disposed of Algeria on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal's turn to launch his competition on Wednesday, as well as the English in a shock against the Croats. The results of the night, the day's matches to follow, the news of the Blues... Until July 19, TF1info wakes you up to the rhythm of the North American World. - The Briefing of the World Championship of …
The night of the superstars at the 2026 World Cup: Messi shines with hat trick and goal record, Mbappé and Haaland hit twice.
Lionel Messi has started the World Cup in spectacular fashion. With a hat trick against Algeria, he is now joint top scorer at the World Cup. He shone, visibly enjoyed himself, and received a standing ovation from the crowd in ‘his’ America. “Those tears? It had absolutely nothing to do with football.”
Africa: World Cup 2026 - Algeria Show Promise but Messi Proves Decisive for Argentina
Algeria's long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment on Tuesday evening as Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable performance to guide defending champions Argentina to a 3-0 victory in their Group J opener in Kansas City.
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