Lionel Messi scores his first career World Cup hat trick as Argentina begin their 2026 title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. All reports say Messi’s goals take him level with Miroslav Klose on the all-time World Cup scoring record, with 16 tournament goals across his six World Cup appearances. The scoring starts early, with accounts describing a first goal in the opening stages and then additional goals that complete the hat trick. The final goal comes in the second half, with one report specifying the 76th minute. Argentina control the match throughout, and multiple sources describe the rout as comprehensive, with Algeria offering limited resistance. Several outlets note that Messi’s second and third goals come after the goalkeeper Luca Zidane makes saves or errors, including one claim that Zidane is at fault for two of Messi’s goals. Messi is then substituted shortly after completing the hat trick, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. The result gives Argentina a winning start and sets up further challenges as they pursue back-to-back World Cup titles.