Argentina began their World Cup title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas, propelled by a Lionel Messi hat-trick that etched his name deeper into tournament folklore. At 38 years old, Messi became the oldest player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match, surpassing the previous record held by Roger Milla. His three goals brought his total to 16 in World Cup finals, drawing him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring list. The first goal came from a precise through ball by Rodrigo De Paul, which Messi finished with a composed strike past Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane. Early in the second half, Messi pounced on a parried shot from Alexis Mac Allister to convert the second. His third, a low bending effort from the edge of the area, sealed the hat-trick and drew roars from the heavily pro-Argentina crowd. This marked Messi's 61st career hat-trick. He was substituted shortly after to a standing ovation. Enzo Fernandez and Mac Allister provided key support in midfield, but the night was defined by Messi's individual brilliance. The performance, described by onlookers as an exhibition of mastery, unfolded two decades after Messi's first World Cup appearance. Messi scored all three goals within a single match for the first time in World Cup history. The win places Argentina in a strong position in their group. Algeria were unable to respond, their attack largely subdued by Argentina's controlled dominance. The match was played in front of a packed stadium in Kansas, with fans witnessing one of the most iconic individual displays in tournament history.
Messi's hat-trick against Algeria came 20 years after his World Cup debut, yet he scored all three goals as a 38-year-old in a single match for the first time in the tournament's history. This performance ties him with Miroslav Klose at 16 World Cup goals, but does not change the fact that Argentina still needed every one of his strikes to overcome an Algeria side that offered little in reply. No African player featured in the match, and no Nigerian connection exists within the details of the game. The night belongs entirely to Messi's enduring legacy, not any broader continental narrative.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
