New Delhi: Lionel Messi turned back the clock in spectacular fashion, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The 38-year-old delivered a vintage performance on a night that coincided with the 20th anniversary of his World Cup debut, reminding the football world why he remains one of the game’s greatest players.
Messi’s three goals took his World Cup tally to 16, equalling the all-time record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. One more goal will make him the outright highest scorer in the tournament’s history.
The hat-trick also saw Messi become the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match at 38 years and 357 days, surpassing the previous mark held by Cristiano Ronaldo. He further added to his legacy by becoming the first footballer to appear in six World Cups, having represented Argentina continuously since 2006.
Remarkably, Messi now holds the distinction of being both Argentina’s youngest and oldest World Cup goalscorer. He scored his first World Cup goal at the age of 18 against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 and became the country’s oldest scorer with his opener against Algeria.
The Argentine captain also joined Cristiano Ronaldo as only the second player to score in five different World Cups — 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in New Jersey. Bradley Barcola added the third goal for France, while Ibrahim Mbaye scored a late consolation for Senegal. Mbappe’s brace took his World Cup tally to 14 goals, moving him level with German legend Gerd Muller and just two behind Messi and Klose.
Austria also celebrated a memorable evening, defeating World Cup debutants Jordan 3-1 for their first victory at the tournament since 1990. Romano Schmid opened the scoring before an own goal from Yazan Al Arab and a late penalty from veteran striker Marko Arnautovic sealed the win.
Argentina will next face Austria, while Algeria take on Jordan in the second round of Group J fixtures.
