Magical Messi hat-trick fires Argentina past Algeria
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 17.06.26. | 06:12
Messi’s treble not only secured three points but also marked a historic milestone as he reached 16 international goals at the highest level and equalled Miroslav Klose
Lionel Messi produced a sensational hat-trick as Argentina opened their Group J campaign in style with a commanding 3–0 victory over Algeria at Kansai Stadium on Wednesday morning, in a performance that blended dominance, control and ruthless finishing.
The match began with early controversy as Algeria thought they had taken a shock lead in the 8th minute. Ibrahim Maza threaded a clever pass to Fares Chaïbi, who finished calmly past the goalkeeper, but VAR intervened to rule the effort out for offside, denying the North Africans a dream start.
Argentina quickly settled into rhythm and began dictating possession through Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister. Their control of midfield gradually pushed Algeria deeper, forcing them to defend in numbers while looking for counterattacks.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute. Messi combined beautifully with De Paul at the edge of the box before curling a trademark finish into the top right corner to give Argentina a 1–0 lead. From that moment, the world champions took full control of the contest.
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Algeria still showed glimpses of threat, with Houssem Aouar, Fares Chaïbi and Rayan Aït-Nouri all trying to inject life into their attacking play. Ramiz Zerrouki and Nabil Bentaleb also worked hard in midfield, but Argentina’s defensive structure, led by Cristian Romero, remained solid and compact.
Lionel Scaloni made changes in the second half, introducing Julián Álvarez and Nicolás González to maintain attacking pressure, while Algeria brought on Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, Ramiz Zerrouki and Adil Boulbina in search of a response.
Argentina doubled their lead in the 60th minute. Alexis Mac Allister’s powerful strike was brilliantly saved by Luca Zidane, but Messi reacted quickest inside the box to smash home the rebound and make it 2–0.
The final blow came in the 76th minute. Nicolás González delivered a perfectly weighted pass into Messi on the edge of the area, and the Argentina captain cut inside before unleashing a powerful low strike into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick and seal a 3–0 victory.
Algeria pushed forward in phases, with Mahrez attempting to create danger from set pieces, including a dangerous free-kick in the 86th minute that was blocked by Argentina’s defensive wall. However, the South Americans remained in complete control.
Messi’s treble not only secured three points but also marked a historic milestone as he reached 16 international goals at the highest level and equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time record, further cementing his legacy on the global stage.
Argentina will face Austria in their second Group J match on Monday, while Algeria will take on Jordan on Tuesday.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
Monday, 15.06.
Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0 (0-0)
/Diallo 90/
Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)
/Ayari 7, 90+6, Isak 30, Gyokeres , Svanberg 84 - Rekik 43/
Spain - Cabo Verde 0-0
Belgium - Egypt 1-1 (0-1)
/Hany 66 og - Ashour 20/
Tuesday 16.06.
Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)
/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/
Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)
/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/
France - Senegal 3-1 (0-0)
/Mbappe 66,90+6 Barcola 82 - Mbaye 90+5/
Wednesday
Iraq-Norway 1-3 (1-2)
/Hussein 39- Haaland 29, 43 Ostigard 76/
Argentina-Algeria 3-0 (1-0)
/Messi 17, 60, 76/
07.00: (1.40) Austria (5.00) Jordan (9.00)
20.00: (1.30) Portugal (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)
23.00: (1.75) England (3.90) Croatia (5.00)
Thursday
02.00: (2.25) Ghana (3.20) Panama (3.40)
05.00: (8.50) Uzbekistan (4.50) Colombia (1.42)
19.00: (1.80) Czech R. (3.50) S.Africa (4.70)
22.00: (1.65) Switzerland (3.60) B&H (5.80)
***odds are subject to change***