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Messi's Magic: Hat-Trick Seals Argentina's World Cup Opener
17 Jun
Summary
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win.
- Messi tied Miroslav Klose's record with 16 World Cup goals.
- Argentina's defense largely contained Algeria, who had no shots on target.
Lionel Messi announced his presence at the 2026 World Cup with a spectacular hat-trick, guiding Argentina to a commanding 3-0 win against Algeria. This performance not only secured three points for the defending champions but also etched Messi's name further into the record books.
With his first goal, a powerful strike, Messi equaled Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals. The Inter Miami star later added two more, completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and continuing his remarkable career achievements on the global stage. His synergy with Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul was evident, as the latter provided the assist for Messi's opening goal.
Argentina's defensive unit, led by Emiliano Martinez, effectively neutralized Algeria's attack. Despite Algeria enjoying considerable possession, they failed to register a single shot on target, highlighting their offensive struggles against a resolute Argentine backline. Manager Lionel Scaloni's strategic substitutions in the second half also played a role in maintaining control and securing the victory.
