Messi’s Hat-Trick Secures Defending Champions’ Victory

Argentina began their 2026 World Cup defense with a convincing 3-0 victory against Algeria, who were appearing at the tournament for the first time since 2014. A masterclass performance from Lionel Messi, who scored all three goals before being substituted to a standing ovation, ensured Lionel Scaloni’s side secured a comfortable three points in their opening fixture.

First Half: Tactical Adjustments and Early Drama

Manager Lionel Scaloni deployed a tactical system that shifted between a paper 4-3-3 and a functional 4-4-2, with Thiago Almada dropping into a deeper midfield role to fortify the defensive structure. Argentina threatened early when Lautaro Martínez met an Almada cross with a firm header, but Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane dealt with the effort comfortably.

The match quickly sparked into life with disallowed goals for both sides:

• 4th Minute: Lautaro Martínez threaded a pass to Lionel Messi, who slotted the ball past Zidane, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag for an offside infringement.

• 12th Minute: Algeria responded with a swift counter-attack. Winger Farès Chaïbi found space on the left side of the penalty area and hit the back of the net, but the goal was similarly ruled out for offside.

The deadlock was broken in the 16th minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Receiving the ball in ‘Zone 14’ just outside the penalty box, Messi exploited a brief pocket of space to unleash a precise, powerful strike into the Algerian net.

Following a brief hydration break, Algeria attempted to reclaim their composure. Midfielder Nabil Bentaleb tested Emiliano Martínez from distance, while Chaïbi missed the target from outside the area in the 42nd minute. Anis Hadj Moussa created late first-half anxiety for the South American side with a tricking run down the right flank, but his heavily deflected shot was comfortably collected by Martínez, leaving Argentina 1-0 ahead at the interval.

Second Half: The Historic Hat-Trick

Argentina maintained their offensive pressure after the restart. In the 51st minute, Messi cut inside from his signature position on the right side of the penalty box, though his curling effort drifted just wide of the target.

The second goal arrived in the 65th minute. Alexis Mac Allister struck a powerful shot that Zidane managed to parry, but Messi reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range. Shortly afterwards, Zidane denied the Argentine captain in a direct one-on-one situation to temporarily prevent a third.

However, in the 81st minute, Messi made history by securing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. After receiving the ball inside the penalty area, he navigated past two defenders and the goalkeeper to slide the ball home, making the score 3-0.

With the match effectively decided, Scaloni withdrew his captain in the 78th minute to rest him for subsequent group matches, giving a run-out to young prospect Nico Paz. The Albiceleste managed the remaining minutes with discipline to seal the clean sheet and a winning start.

Key Match Timeline