Lionel Messi reportedly scored a hat trick for Argentina against Algeria on Tuesday in the 2026 World Cup opener, a run that may have tied the all-time World Cup goals record.
Messi has scored eight goals in his last five World Cup appearances. Coverage of the Algeria match shows him launching a rocket and later cleaning up a rebound as part of that scoring stretch.
If the hat trick stands, Messi could be level with the all-time World Cup goals mark. The opener may have immediately put his tournament tally back at the center of the 2026 World Cup conversation.
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Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina face Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, at 9 p.m. ET in their first 2026 World Cup match, with Messi's adidas apparel and footwear lineup highlighted ahead of kickoff.
Lionel Messi and Argentina open their 2026 World Cup campaign Tuesday against Algeria, with last-minute tickets still listed starting above $1,000.
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in Group J, moving level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup finals goals.
