Lionel Messi once again defied the impossible, making his debut in the 2026 World Cup with a stunning hat-trick, leading Argentina to an authoritative 3-0 victory over Algeria in the opening match of Group J. At 38 years old, the Argentine captain not only led his team with a stellar performance but also equaled the legendary Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scorers’ list, with an impressive 16 goals. This achievement once again places Messi in the spotlight of world football and rekindles the debate over who is truly the greatest of all time.
The clash took place last Tuesday, with Messi scoring all the goals of the match at the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes, turning the Argentines’ opening game into a true personal and collective celebration. The first goal came after a sublime pass from De Paul down the central corridor, with Messi making a decisive advance and firing from outside the box, beating Luca Zidane – son of Zinédine Zidane, who watched from the stands – with a shot near the left post. The second goal, born from the killer instinct that characterizes him, resulted from a rebound inside the area after an incomplete save by the Algerian goalkeeper. The third, a low and placed shot also from outside the area, sealed Messi’s first hat-trick in World Cup knockout stages.
The World Cup is experienced with LEGO.
The Argentine dominance was unquestionable, with the team managing the pace of the game and controlling possession, never allowing themselves to be pressured by an Algeria that chose to rest three of its key players, likely thinking of future commitments. Still, the start of the match was marked by two goals disallowed for tight offside calls – first for Messi, who was set up by Lautaro Martínez, and then for Chaibi, the most determined of the Algerians. Argentina, after taking the lead, slowed the pace but never lost control, while Algeria only managed to create some danger close to half-time, never truly threatening goalkeeper Dibu Martínez.
This victory is particularly significant for the Argentine national team, which starts the World Cup on the right foot and reinforces its status as a title contender. For Messi, this evening represents more than an individual achievement: “I feel very happy to help the team, but the most important thing is that we start the World Cup well. Equaling Klose’s record is something I never imagined, but I want to continue giving everything for Argentina,” said the visibly emotional Argentine captain in the mixed zone after the match. Coach Lionel Scaloni also praised him: “Messi continues to surprise us. It is a privilege to see a player like this on the field, especially at this stage of his career. Records are the natural consequence of his talent and dedication.”
With this performance, Messi not only reinforces his role as the absolute leader of the Pampas team, but also fuels the dreams of Argentine fans to win another world title. His ability to decide games and break records at 38 years old is a true phenomenon, leaving rivals and critics astonished in the presence of an athlete who seems to know no limits.
The next challenge for Argentina will be against a theoretically stronger team in the group, where new tactical changes are expected and, likely, a more ambitious Algeria, after resting players in this match. For Messi, the goal now is to surpass Klose and definitively establish himself as the top scorer in World Cup history. The football world will be watching: every goal, every play, every minute of Messi is, at this stage, a lesson in resilience and sporting genius. One thing is certain: no one will remain indifferent to what is yet to come in this 2026 World Cup.
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
