📹 Argentina ease to win in Copa opener, Messi shatters records | OneFootball

Those who stayed up late watching it went to bed a little earlier — and with a "swollen head."

After all, Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria this Tuesday (16), in a Group J match.

It is the first time in the tournament’s history that the defending champion has started with a hat-trick and without conceding a goal!

But for those who put the South American rivalry aside for a moment, it was another recital from Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini on the pitch.

Still in the first half, the Barcelona idol and current Inter Miami star had a goal disallowed, but opened the scoring before the 20-minute mark.

With that, Messi broke some historic records, such as surpassing King Pelé in goal involvements and goals at World Cups, and matching Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score in five different World Cups.

To see Messi’s “collection” of records, click here!

After the break, the Argentine star grabbed a brace with a little “help” from Luca Zidane — yes, the son of the French legend and Real Madrid icon.

Finally, Messi completed his hat-trick to make history: the top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. Click here!

Now, at 38 years and 357 days old, Messi has become the oldest player in World Cup history to score three goals in the same match. 

That means Messi SHATTERED seven World Cup records!

🚦 Standings

Argentina top Group J with three points.

La Albiceleste return to action next Monday (22), when they face Austria, and close out the group stage against Jordan on Saturday (27).

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

📸 ROBERTO SCHMIDT - AFP or licensors