Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain, scored three goals to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City.
The 38-year-old forward delivered a masterclass performance as the reigning champions began their title defense with a dominant display against the North African side.
Messi, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a goal assisted by Rodrigo De Paul. He added his second in the 60th minute and completed the hat-trick in the 76th minute, assisted by Nicolás González. Argentina controlled the match from the outset with superior possession and attacking pressure, maintaining a solid defensive shape while Algeria struggled to create meaningful chances, resulting in a comfortable win without reply.
Argentina top Group J with three points from one match and a goal difference of +3. Algeria sit at the bottom with zero points and a -3 goal difference after the defeat.
Argentina face Austria on June 22.