Argentina Player Ratings vs Algeria: Lionel Messi’s Hat Trick Matches World Cup Goal Record

The defending champions began their World Cup campaign with some nerves before Lionel Messi stepped up. The 38-year-old scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, witnessed by 69,045 fans. This hat trick tied Messi with Miroslav Klose at 16 World Cup goals, though Klose achieved the milestone in fewer matches.

Argentina’s opening minutes were tense. Despite Messi finding the net early on, an offside call against Lautaro Martinez erased the goal. Algeria quickly countered, with Farès Chaïbi scoring, but VAR ruled him offside as well. Both teams probed for openings, but chances were limited until Messi began to shine.

“They did everything they could. They reacted wonderfully in the first half,” said Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, speaking through a translator.

Messi’s Magic Unfolds

Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, threaded a perfect pass between two Algerian defenders. Messi controlled it expertly and fired into the top-right corner to break the deadlock. This goal marked Messi’s fifth World Cup tournament with a goal, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of his first World Cup strike.

“It’s hard to explain. We’re amazed with him still, though we get to see him every day,” Scaloni added.

Even Algeria’s coach, Vladimir Petković, praised Messi while pointing out his team’s better performance than the scoreline suggested. “Class is permanent,” he said. “He has eight Ballon d’Or awards. Unfortunately, we gave him space for the first two goals. The entire Argentina team plays for him.”

Messi’s influence was immense: Argentina took ten shots, seven coming from him. The goal was also the 911th of Messi’s career across club and country.

Second Half Domination and Messi’s Hat Trick

The second half saw Alexis Mac Allister launch a shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Luca Zidane, but Messi was quick to capitalize on the rebound. A slick assist from Nicolas Gonzalez helped Messi complete his first-ever World Cup hat trick with a precise finish using his left foot.

Algeria matched Argentina in possession but failed to threaten seriously, managing seven shots with none on target.