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Published Jun 16, 2026Updated Jun 181
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Messi's Hat-trick Powers Argentina to 3-0 Victory Over Algeria in World Cup Group J
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J, equaling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goal record with 16 goals. The performance showcased Messi's excellence at his sixth World Cup, while Algeria's defeat highlighted their struggle against elite opposition despite their qualifying success.
Quick Facts
- Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0
- Messi scored a hat-trick
- Messi equaled Klose as joint-leading World Cup goalscorer
- Messi became first player to appear at six World Cups
- Algeria operated in 4-3-3 formation
Lionel Messi delivered a virtuoso performance, scoring his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in Group J on June 16, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. The three goals showcased Messi's varied skill set: a brilliant long-range strike, a clinical finish after a goalkeeper error, and a precise effort into the bottom corner. With this performance, Messi equaled Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint-leading goalscorer in men's World Cup history with 16 goals and became the first player to appear at six World Cups.
Algeria, managed by Vladimir Petkovic since 2024, struggled to contain Argentina's attacking prowess. The North African side operated in a 4-3-3 formation, relying on wide play and crossing opportunities, with Riyad Mahrez anchoring their right wing. Despite their attacking setup, Algeria could not capitalize on their chances against a dominant Argentina side. Mahrez, the 35-year-old winger who won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria, remains a key leader despite showing signs of fading from his peak.
Argentina's progression through qualifying and into this tournament demonstrated their exceptional form. They won 12 of 18 South American qualifying matches, scoring 31 goals while conceding just 10. Heading into the World Cup, Argentina extended this dominance by winning all seven warm-up friendlies, scoring 21 goals and maintaining six clean sheets. Their clinical approach to both attack and defense set them apart in Group J.
Algeria's path to the tournament, while successful, showed less consistent quality. They won eight of ten qualifying matches but won the competition with an underwhelming performance. More concerning was their quarter-final elimination by Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite winning that tournament in 2019. However, they have recovered with four consecutive friendly victories, including an impressive 1-0 win over the Netherlands and a goalless draw with Uruguay, suggesting they remain competitive despite the opening loss.
Messi's milestone appearance also marked historical significance. At his sixth World Cup, Messi moved toward earning his 200th international cap for Argentina, joining Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa in that exclusive club. His longevity and continued performance at the highest level underscore his enduring impact on international football.
Why This Matters
Messi's hat-trick and record-tying 16th World Cup goal mark a watershed moment in football history, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greatest players. For Argentina, the dominant 3-0 victory establishes them as serious title contenders heading deeper into the tournament. For Algeria, the result underscores the gap between emerging and established elite sides, signaling they must regroup quickly to remain competitive in Group J. Fans and analysts will closely monitor whether Messi can surpass Klose's record and whether Argentina can convert their qualifying dominance into tournament success.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1997
WireVladimir Petkovic began his managerial career
Jan 1, 2014
WireAlgeria last qualified for a World Cup before 2026
Jan 1, 2025
WireAlgeria reached quarter-finals of Africa Cup of Nations
Jun 16, 2026
WireArgentina defeated Algeria 3-0 with Messi scoring hat-trick in World Cup Group J