2026 World Cup: Lionel Messi humiliates Algeria with a hat-trick and joins Miroslav Klose in history

Argentina thrashed Algeria 3-0 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on June 17, 2026, in the first match of Group J of the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick (17', 60', and a third goal not detailed in the article), tying Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record. The Algerians, led by Houssem Aouar, held out for 15 minutes before succumbing to Argentine pressure. Despite a save by goalkeeper Zidane, Messi sealed the victory in the second half.