Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance on Tuesday, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career as Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The 38-year-old captain found the net in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, helping the defending champions make a perfect start to their title defence.
Playing in a record sixth World Cup, Messi’s treble also saw him draw level with Germany great Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, matching the tournament’s all-time scoring record.
Argentina’s victory capped a memorable day of attacking football across the competition, with several of the world’s biggest stars making their mark.
In Group I, France recovered from an early setback to defeat Senegal 3-1 at MetLife Stadium. Kylian Mbappé scored twice in the second half, while Bradley Barcola added another as the French side underlined their credentials as title contenders.
Norway also impressed, securing a convincing 4-1 win over Iraq in Foxborough. Erling Haaland led the charge with two first-half goals, while Leo Østigård and an own goal completed the scoring.
Elsewhere, Austria celebrated their first World Cup victory in 36 years after beating tournament debutants Jordan 3-1 in Santa Clara. Romano Schmid opened the scoring before Jordan’s Ali Olwan made history with his nation’s first-ever World Cup goal. However, an own goal from Yazan Al-Arab and a late penalty from Marko Arnautović ensured Austria claimed all three points.
Messi’s landmark performance was the standout moment of the day, placing Argentina at the top of Group J after Matchday One and providing yet another memorable chapter in the career of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Results – 16 June 2026
- France 3-1 Senegal
- Iraq 1-4 Norway
- Argentina 3-0 Algeria
- Austria 3-1 Jordan
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues on Wednesday with another round of group-stage fixtures across the United States, Canada and Mexico.