By Our Correspondent

National News – Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, while the Argentine captain matched a major tournament record in the process.

The 39-year-old forward produced a clinical display to guide the defending champions to all three points, netting three times to take his World Cup tally to 16 goals and equal the men’s tournament scoring record previously held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.

Messi’s performance also earned him another place in football history, as he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a FIFA World Cup.

The victory marked another milestone for the Argentine star, coming in his 200th international appearance and during his sixth World Cup tournament, a feat unmatched by any outfield player.

Argentina controlled much of the contest against Algeria, with Messi proving decisive in attack. His goals highlighted the range of qualities that have defined his career, combining precision finishing, movement and composure under pressure.

The hat-trick immediately drew widespread attention across the football world, with supporters and analysts praising the veteran playmaker’s ability to continue performing at the highest level more than two decades after his international debut.

Messi’s latest achievement comes as Argentina seek to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022. His contribution against Algeria has strengthened expectations that the South Americans could once again challenge for the trophy.

Despite reaching another landmark in his career, Messi focused on the team’s result after the match, stressing the importance of starting the tournament with a victory rather than individual accomplishments.

With the record now matched, attention will turn to Argentina’s remaining group-stage fixtures, where Messi could surpass Klose’s mark and become the outright leading scorer in World Cup history.