Messi's Hat-Trick Propels Argentina to 3-0 Win Over Algeria, Equals World Cup Goalscoring Record

Lionel Messi delivered a hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 Group J victory over Algeria on Tuesday, marking a significant start to their World Cup campaign. The match, held at Kansas City Stadium, saw Messi equal the all-time World Cup scoring record, bringing his total to 16 goals, a feat previously achieved by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.

Messi's first goal came in the 17th minute, following a pass from Rodrigo De Paul. His second was scored in the 60th minute, capitalizing on a fumble by goalkeeper Luca Zidane after a shot from Alexis Mac Allister. The hat-trick was completed in the 76th minute, assisted by substitute Nico Gonzalez. Early in the game, Messi had an opening goal disallowed due to offside, a fate also shared by Algeria’s Fares Chaibi.

At 38, Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, achieving this milestone 20 years to the day after his debut goal in the global tournament. This game also marked his 200th cap for Argentina and made him the first player to compete in six World Cups. During the first half, Algeria fans called for a red card after an incident involving Messi and Aissa Mandi, but no sanction was given.

Argentina, aiming to be the first men’s team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, entered the tournament mindful of past stumbles, including a 2022 defeat to Saudi Arabia and a draw with Iceland four years prior. The team recently secured a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland, their first match against European opposition since the last World Cup. Argentina is scheduled to play Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas, while Algeria will face Jordan on the same day in Santa Clara, California.

According to Dawn Pakistan, the holders delivered a composed and authoritative performance, signaling they remain a formidable force.