Messi scores first World Cup hat trick as Argentina opens title defense with 3-0 win
Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat trick on Tuesday night in Kansas City, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in its opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old star began his sixth World Cup with a historic performance and helped the defending champions take a first step toward winning back-to-back titles.
Messi’s three goals gave him 16 career World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. The article notes that this was one of the most iconic nights of his long career, and that his last World Cup appearance ended in tears of joy after he captured the one major title that had previously eluded him.
Argentina’s win was described as a clear and decisive opening result, with the team securing its first victory of the tournament. The piece says Messi’s display showed that he remains eager for more even after finally completing his trophy collection in the previous World Cup.
The article was published on June 17, 2026, at 06:19, and frames the match as the start of Argentina’s campaign to defend its world title.
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