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Argentina Thrashes Algeria as Messi Matches World Cup Scoring Record

Lionel Messi marked the start of the World Cup with a stunning hat-trick, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria. This performance tied him with Miroslav Klose for the most goals scored in World Cup history, both now having 16.

The match featured early disallowed goals for offside from both sides, but Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a powerful strike. Algeria pressed on, probing Argentina’s defense, but couldn’t break through the solid backline coached by Lionel Scaloni.

The game shifted when Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane mishandled a shot from Alexis Mac Allister, allowing Messi to tap in his second goal at the 60-minute mark. Ten minutes later, Messi curled a shot into the bottom corner to complete his first World Cup hat-trick and tie Klose’s record.

This remarkable night underscored Messi’s legendary status and sent a strong signal that Argentina is ready to defend its title won in Qatar 2022.

Key Moment That Defined the Night

Miroslav Klose finally has some company. — Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub)

Messi’s landmark performance came exactly two decades after he scored his first World Cup goal in 2006. Back then, an 18-year-old Messi entered as a substitute and netted in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Serbia.

The opening goal in this match was classic Messi: finding space between Algeria’s lines, receiving a precise pass from Rodrigo De Paul, and delivering a fierce shot past Zidane. This goal also put Messi alongside Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score in five World Cups.

His second goal, following a poor clearance by Zidane, saw Messi equal Brazil's Ronaldo with 15 career World Cup goals, while his third sealed the historic hat-trick and tied Klose’s record.

Argentina Player Ratings (4-4-2 Formation)

Ratings by FotMob

  • GK Emiliano Martínez - 7.0: Comfortable throughout as Algeria’s attack lacked threat.
  • RB Gonzalo Montiel - 6.8: Struggled early, nearly conceding a goal, but improved after settling.
  • CB Cristian Romero - 7.2: Solid defensively with excellent distribution.
  • CB Lisandro Martínez - 7.7: Dominant, key in stopping Algeria’s advances.
  • LB Facundo Medina - 7.2: Provided width and defended well.
  • RM Rodrigo De Paul - 8.2: Crucial assist for Messi’s opener; controlled the midfield with skill and grit.
  • CM Alexis Mac Allister - 7.2: Efficient possession and defensive coverage.
  • CM Enzo Fernández - 7.5: Played deep and dictated tempo like a true playmaker.
  • LM Thiago Almada - 7.0: Started strong before fading slightly.
  • ST Lionel Messi - 9.7: Legendary night marking his 200th appearance for Argentina.
  • ST Lautaro Martínez - 6.5: Quiet night, limited involvement, denied by goalkeeper.

Substitutes

  • Nahuel Molina (46’ for Montiel) - 6.9: Defensive improvement despite erratic possession.
  • Nicolás González (55’ for Almada) - 7.2: Exploited space well and assisted Messi’s record goal.
  • Julián Alvarez (55’ for Lautaro Martínez) - 6.0: Limited opportunity as Argentina eased off.
  • Nicolás Otamendi (80’ for Romero) - 6.5: Made important defensive contributions in brief time.
  • Nico Paz (80’ for Messi) - 6.2: Minimal impact in closing minutes.

Unused subs included goalkeepers Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso, defenders Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, midfielders Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, forwards Giuliano Simeone, Valentín Barco, and José López.

Insights from the Ratings

Rodrigo De Paul showed why he's a vital part of Argentina's golden era, orchestrating plays and exerting relentless effort. Enzo Fernández impressed with his command in midfield, reminiscent of his award-winning form in 2022.

Lautaro Martínez struggled to influence the match. His starting role raised eyebrows and it might be Julián Alvarez who gets the nod in the next fixture against Austria.

Statistics Behind Argentina’s Strong Start

Argentina’s defense was solid, preventing Algeria from having a single shot on target, with Algeria’s expected goals tally at just 0.31. Messi alone accounted for 1.03 of Argentina’s total expected goals of 1.23, showing clinical finishing beyond statistical expectations.

Messi made history again on June 16, 2026, becoming Argentina’s oldest World Cup goalscorer and the oldest player to score a hat-trick at the tournament, bookending a remarkable 20 years since his first World Cup goal in 2006.

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