Video: Messi’s hat‑trick seals Argentina 3-0 win over Algeria, joins Klose as World Cup’s joint top scorer

Abdullateef Fowewe

Lionel Messi produced a vintage performance in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener, scoring a first-ever World Cup hat‑trick to power a 3-0 victory over Algeria and move level with Miroslav Klose as the all‑time men’s World Cup top scorer on 16 goals.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZrRRf3MAQD/?igsh=OXVkbHlpaXZqcGt0

At 38 and competing in his sixth World Cup, Messi’s treble on June 17, 2026 took him past several modern greats: he overtook Kylian Mbappé and Thomas Müller (both on 14) and Ronaldo Nazário (15).

Messi also became both the youngest and oldest goalscorer for Argentina at the tournament exactly 20 years apart.

Messi’s hat‑trick also made him the oldest player to score three in a World Cup match, underlining his enduring quality as Argentina seek to defend the title they won in 2022.

The forward, who turns 39 next week, delivered a composed and clinical display to finish off Argentina’s group‑stage campaign opener.

Reactions poured in across social media and from fellow professionals.

Erling Haaland posted on Snapchat, “Messi is a madman,” capturing the widespread admiration for the Argentine captain’s performance.

Argentina now head into the rest of the group stage buoyed by a statement win and a historic personal landmark for Messi as he chases further World Cup glory.