Messi breaks records as Argentina thrash Algeria in 2026 World Cup opener | OneFootball

The Argentina National Team thrashed Algeria 3-0 in its debut at the 2026 World Cup. With a hat-trick from Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste picked up its first three points of the tournament being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Argentina got off to a strong start at the 2026 World Cup. Messi shined on the night in Kansas City with 3 goals that saw him draw level with Klose as the top scorer in World Cup history. In this way, they earned their first three points in the defense of their title.

Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated most of the match. The game began with an early Argentina goal in the 4th minute, although it was later ruled out for offside. Just 4 minutes later, Algeria took advantage of the gaps in the Albiceleste defense and nearly took the lead. However, like the world champions, their goal was also disallowed for offside.

La Scaloneta kept up its dominance and possession until it was able to reflect it on the scoreboard. The opening goal came in the 16th minute thanks to an exquisite strike from Messi from outside the box after an assist from De Paul.

The lead was not extended until the second half, once again thanks to La Pulga. In the 60th minute, Messi pounced on the rebound spilled by Luca Zidane and scored the second. The third goal not only sealed Argentina’s victory in Kansas City, but it will also go down in the history books.

In the 75th minute, La Pulga completed his hat-trick and drew level with Klose as the top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. In this way, the Albiceleste captain could surpass the German in the next match against Austria in Dallas and break the record in what would be the last World Cup of his career.

Argentina’s next match at the 2026 World Cup: date and time

With the first 3 points secured, the Argentina National Team now turns to Matchday 2 of Group J against Austria. The match will take place this Monday, June 22, starting at 2 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Messi celebrates with Molina. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images.

Meanwhile, the opening round of Group J will wrap up with Jordan and Austria in the early hours of Wednesday the 17th. The clash between the Europeans and the Asians will be played starting at 1 a.m. at Levi's Stadium.

Keep reading:

Argentina 3-0 Algeria, at the 2026 World Cup

Martín Palermo moved Lionel Scaloni ahead of Argentina’s debut

2026 World Cup debut: time, lineups, and TV for Argentina vs. Algeria

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.