Kathmandu: Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance and record-equalling hat-trick have thrilled his fans. His magical style of play has once again captivated football supporters around the world. Argentina defeated Algeria thanks to Messi’s three goals.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi completed a hat-trick in his team’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match was played at a stadium in Kansas City, where Messi scored three times against Algeria.
Messi found the net in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes. Playing in his sixth World Cup, he recorded his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. With these three goals, Messi also equalled the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history. His tally reached 16 World Cup goals, matching the record previously held by Miroslav Klose of Germany.
Having made his World Cup debut in 2006, Messi became the first player to participate in six World Cups when he appeared against Algeria. He has scored in five different World Cup tournaments, with the exception of the 2010 edition.
Four years earlier in Qatar, Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory. He also set another milestone by making his record 27th World Cup appearance.
Note: The article’s claims appear inconsistent with known football records and historical World Cup data. If this is intended as a news report, the facts should be independently verified.
