World Cup 2026
Messi Scores A Hat-Trick At 38: Some Questions Answer Themselves
Before this World Cup, people questioned whether Lionel Messi at 38 years old and playing in Major League Soccer could still decide matches at the highest level.
On Tuesday night in Kansas City, the kick-off was 2am Nigeria time, he scored a hat-trick against Algeria.
Some questions answer themselves.
Argentina opened the defence of their FIFA World Cup crown with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J, and Messi was at the centre of everything.
The Argentine captain scored all three goals, equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record. He surpassed Pele for direct goal involvements in the competition, and reminded the football world that greatness does not disappear simply because a player grows older.
For Algeria, the scoreline was painful. For Africa, it was a difficult start against the reigning champions.
Yet there were still moments that suggested the Fennec Foxes have enough quality to remain competitive in the race for qualification.
But this night belonged to Messi.
Argentina vs Algeria: How the Game Unfolded
Lionel Messi is playing for Argentina in their 2026 World Cup match against Algeria.
The contest exploded into life almost immediately.
Within the opening ten minutes, both teams thought they had taken the lead. Messi found the net for Argentina before seeing his effort ruled out by the narrowest of margins.
Moments later, Algeria suffered the same frustration when Fares Chaibi’s strike was chalked off after another tight decision.
The early drama set the tone for a high-intensity encounter.
Argentina gradually began asserting control through their midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez. Their movement between the lines repeatedly stretched Algeria’s defensive shape and forced the North Africans into long spells without possession.
The breakthrough finally arrived through a familiar source.
A superb pass from De Paul sliced through the Algerian midfield and found Messi in space. The Argentine captain advanced towards the penalty area before unleashing a curling effort that beat Luca Zidane and flew into the top corner.
It was a goal that combined vision, timing and execution everything that has defined Messi’s career.
Algeria attempted to respond before halftime, with Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Amoura looking to exploit transitions. But Argentina’s defensive organisation remained solid.
Argentina vs Algeria: Second Half
The second half followed a similar pattern.
As Algeria pushed higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser, spaces began to appear behind their defensive line. Argentina took full advantage.
On 59 minutes, Mac Allister struck from distance. Zidane failed to gather the effort cleanly and Messi reacted first, tapping home from close range to make it 2-0.
The third goal carried even greater significance.
Receiving possession on the edge of the area, Messi shifted the ball onto his left foot and fired a low finish into the bottom corner. The strike completed his hat-trick and secured his place alongside Miroslav Klose at the summit of the World Cup scoring charts.
Kansas City rose to applaud. History had been made once again.
Records That Put Messi in a Category of His Own
Lionel Messi scoring a goal for Argentina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J match against Algeria
The performance against Algeria was remarkable enough on its own.
The records attached to it made it historic.
Messi’s first goal saw him move ahead of Pele for direct goal involvements at FIFA World Cups. The Argentine now boasts 16 goals and eight assists, giving him 24 total contributions in the competition.
No player has ever produced more. His second goal added another milestone.
Messi now has six World Cup goals scored from outside the penalty area, surpassing Brazilian legend Rivelino and becoming the player with the most long-range goals in tournament history.
Then came the third. That strike brought him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, matching a record that many believed would stand for generations.
Perhaps most impressively, Messi also joined Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score at five different World Cups.
At 38 years old. In his sixth World Cup appearance.
After months of debate about whether he could still influence games at the highest level.
Football has a habit of providing simple answers to complicated questions.
Argentina’s Greatest Strength Is Their Collective
The headlines will focus on Messi. They should.
But Argentina’s performance also highlighted why Lionel Scaloni’s side remain among the favourites to win the tournament.
This team is far more than one superstar.
Rodrigo De Paul’s passing dictated the tempo. Mac Allister covered enormous ground while constantly creating overloads.
Enzo Fernandez controlled possession and ensured Algeria rarely enjoyed sustained periods of pressure.
Every player understands their role. Every movement appears rehearsed.
Every transition feels coordinated.
Argentina’s ability to compress space remains one of their biggest strengths. They defend aggressively, recover possession quickly, and immediately create attacking opportunities.
The result is a system that maximises Messi’s influence while preventing opponents from isolating him.
That balance between individual brilliance and collective structure is what makes Argentina so dangerous.
Many teams possess elite players. Very few possess an elite player operating within such a cohesive collective framework.
Algeria’s Painful Night But Their World Cup Is Not Over
From an African perspective, the result was disappointing.
Algeria entered the tournament carrying the hopes of a nation desperate to return to the knockout stages for only the second time in history.
Instead, they encountered an inspired Messi.
Yet there were positives beneath the scoreline. The Fennec Foxes were brave in possession during the opening stages and showed enough attacking intent to trouble Argentina.
Their disallowed goal inside ten minutes demonstrated that they were willing to attack rather than simply defend.
Mohammed Amoura’s pace caused occasional problems. While Fares Chaibi looked lively whenever he found space between the lines.
Most importantly, Algeria still have matches against Austria and Jordan remaining.
Those fixtures will ultimately determine their World Cup fate. The defeat hurts, but it does not eliminate them from contention.
If anything, Algeria can take encouragement from the fact that their toughest group-stage assignment is now behind them.
For African football supporters, there remains every reason to believe the Fennec Foxes can still fight their way into the knockout rounds.
Argentina vs Algeria: What This Means for Group J
Lionel Messi is celebrating his historic hat-trick alongside teammates from the Argentina national football team.
Argentina could hardly have asked for a better start. Three points, three goals, a clean sheet.
And their captain is in sensational form.
The reigning champions now turn their attention to Austria, knowing another victory would put them on the brink of qualification.
For Algeria, the focus shifts towards recovery and response.
Matches against Austria and Jordan suddenly carry enormous importance. Win those games and qualification remains entirely achievable.
Lose either one and the pressure will become immense. The group is still alive.
But Argentina have immediately established themselves as the team to beat.
Argentina vs Algeria: Verdict
Before the tournament began, critics wondered whether Lionel Messi could still dominate at World Cup level.
He responded with a hat-trick. He equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record.
He surpassed Pele for direct goal involvements.
And he guided Argentina to a comfortable opening victory.
For Algeria, the scoreline was harsh, but their campaign is far from over. Against Austria and Jordan, they still have opportunities to prove they belong on football’s biggest stage.
For Argentina, however, this felt like a warning to the rest of the tournament.
The world champions are here. And Messi is not finished yet.
