Messi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup

Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick. Messi opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a curling free-kick from 25 yards out. He doubled Argentina's lead in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error and slotting the ball past the Algerian goalkeeper. The third goal came in the 78th minute, a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area that sealed the victory for the defending champions. This performance marks a strong start for Argentina as they begin their campaign to retain the World Cup title.