Lionel Messi's Hat Trick Leads Argentina to Victory in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The World Cup holders came to the American heartland with a point to prove and a record in their captain’s sights. They left with both.
Lionel Messi, 38 years old and still dictating the sport’s biggest stage, struck a ruthless hat trick in Argentina’s 3–0 win over Algeria on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, matching Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record with his 16th career goal in the competition.
No drama this time. No stumble out of the blocks. Just a champion taking care of business.
No repeat of 2022 shock
Argentina’s players knew the story that would have been told had this gone wrong. The memory of that opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022 still lingers, even if it was ultimately folded into a triumphant run to the trophy. Here, there was no such twist.
From the start, Argentina played like a side determined to slam the door on any upset talk. The ball zipped through midfield, Rodrigo De Paul snapping into tackles and angles, Messi drifting into those familiar half-spaces where games bend to his will.
The breakthrough came early, and it was pure Messi.
In the 17th minute, a sharp exchange with De Paul opened a pocket of space outside the area. Messi didn’t hesitate. One touch to set himself, then a vicious strike that screamed into the top corner. Arrowhead rose as one, a sea of white and blue roaring for a man who has made such moments feel routine.
Routine, but never ordinary.
Argentina turn the screw
Once in front, Argentina hunted for a second. Thiago Almada ghosted into a promising position but failed to convert, while Lautaro Martínez forced Luca Zidane into action, the Algeria goalkeeper and son of Zinedine Zidane standing tall to keep his side in touch.
Argentina controlled the tempo, but Algeria refused to fold. They chased, pressed, and tried to spring forward when they could. The holders, though, always looked like they had another gear.
Eventually, they used it.
Shortly after the hour mark, the pressure finally told. Alexis Mac Allister broke into the box and saw his effort parried by Zidane. The rebound dropped into dangerous territory and, of course, Messi arrived first. One composed finish, one more World Cup goal, and Argentina’s grip on the match tightened.
At 2–0, the contest felt close to decided. Messi almost made absolutely sure moments later, slipping through one-on-one with Zidane, only for the keeper to win that particular duel. The captain also threw his arms wide in appeal after contact in the area, but the penalty he wanted did not come.
No matter. His night still had one more act.
Record-equalling hat trick
By the 76th minute, Argentina were cruising, Algeria tiring, and Messi still chasing. Nicolás González slid a pass into his path, and the rest felt inevitable. Messi opened his body, picked his spot, and rolled a low shot into the corner.
Hat trick. Sixteen World Cup goals. Level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time list.
Arrowhead responded with a standing ovation when he was withdrawn late on, a stadium better known for deafening noise on NFL Sundays now echoing with appreciation for a different kind of superstar. Argentina had their three points. Messi had his record share. The title defense had its statement start.
Next come Austria and Jordan in Group J, and with them more chances for Messi to step out of a tie with history and stand alone.
