Arrowhead, June 17: Lionel Messi marked the start of his sixth FIFA World Cup campaign in historic fashion, scoring a hat-trick as defending champions Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match.
Playing at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the 38-year-old delivered a memorable performance on his 200th international appearance, becoming the first player in history to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
Messi’s hat-trick also saw him equal the all-time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals, matching former Germany striker Miroslav Klose at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts.
The Argentina captain opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a curling effort before adding a second goal shortly after the hour mark. He completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute, receiving a standing ovation as he left the field to thunderous applause.
Argentina, winners of the 2022 World Cup, controlled the match throughout and began their title defence in impressive fashion.
Elsewhere, France opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal. Kylian Mbappe scored twice to become France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 international goals.
Norway also made a strong start as Erling Haaland scored twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq. The Manchester City striker continued his remarkable scoring form, taking his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 appearances.
With Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all finding the net, the opening stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already delivered several memorable moments for football fans around the world.
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