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Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria. Photo; Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Messi Makes History! Argentina star equals World Cup goal record with stunning hat-trick against Algeria

India Blooms News Service | @indiablooms | Jun 17, 2026, at 09:33 am

Football icon Lionel Messi became the FIFA World Cup's joint all-time leading scorer after netting a hat-trick to guide defending champions Argentina to a commanding victory over Algeria in their opening match on Tuesday.

The match was particularly significant for Messi as he made his 200th international appearance for Argentina and scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.

Classic Messi 🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/xkq2cSrQCo
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner etched his name further into football history by taking his World Cup goal tally to 16, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition's joint highest scorer of all time.

In their bid to retain the title, Argentina began their campaign in dream fashion at Kansas City Stadium.

Back on the big stage. 🇦🇷✨

Find out where to watch. ⬇️ #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026

The victory also marked the first time Argentina have won their opening match of a World Cup as defending champions, having suffered defeats in that role in 1982 and 1990.

Following the emphatic win, Argentina will next face Austria and Jordan in the group stage as they continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.

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