Argentina’s quest to defend their World Cup crown began in emphatic fashion as Lionel Messi produced a performance for the ages, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his remarkable career in a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City.
The reigning champions arrived in the United States carrying expectations that few teams in football history have faced. They left their opening Group J encounter with a statement win and, once again, with Messi at the centre of everything.
At 38 years old and making his 200th appearance for Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered another chapter in a career already overflowing with iconic moments. By the end of the night, he had matched Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals and become the first player to appear at six editions of the tournament.
The atmosphere inside Arrowhead Stadium felt more like a celebration than a football match. Fans rose to their feet every time Messi touched the ball, sensing they were witnessing another historic occasion. Even NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes was among those watching from the stands.
The evening began at a frantic pace. Messi thought he had scored after only five minutes, but a tight offside call denied him. Moments later, Algeria suffered the same frustration when Farès Chaïbi had a goal ruled out following a VAR review.
That brief period of uncertainty soon gave way to Argentine control.
Messi broke the deadlock after 17 minutes with a stunning strike from the edge of the area. Collecting a precise pass from Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate, he bent the ball beyond Luca Zidane and into the roof of the net.
Algeria showed flashes of promise but struggled to sustain pressure. Surprisingly, Riyad Mahrez began the game on the bench, and the North Africans managed only one effort on target throughout the contest.
Argentina’s experience gradually took over.
The second goal arrived on the hour mark when Zidane could only parry Alexis Mac Allister’s effort into danger. Messi reacted quickest, displaying the instincts of a natural goalscorer to tap home from close range.
His crowning moment came 16 minutes later. After exchanging passes with Nico González, Messi curled a trademark finish into the bottom corner, completing a hat-trick that sent the stadium into raptures.
The numbers only reinforced the brilliance of the display. Messi registered six shots, created two chances, and became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous mark from 2018.
Perhaps most importantly for Argentina, Lionel Scaloni’s side looked every bit like champions. Ten starters were members of the team that lifted the trophy in 2022, and their chemistry remains intact.
For those wondering why Messi chose not to retire from international football after conquering the world in Qatar, this was the perfect answer. Argentina’s title defense is underway, and their greatest player still looks capable of carrying them deep into another World Cup adventure.
