Lionel Messi scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick on June 17, 2026, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium.
Earlier in the day; France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland had lit up the World Cup with two goals each, the stage was set.
But this was no supporting act, this was the main show. The Messi show.
His first World Cup hat-trick, a record-equalling 16th World Cup goal, and another reminder that despite his age, he isn't going away.
Those in attendance at Argentina’s opening match against Algeria could be forgiven, for a moment, for thinking they were at one of the great Argentinian cathedrals of football – La Bombonera.
This performance also tied him with Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading goal-scorer in men's World Cup history with 16 goals.
Argentina has more matches to play and so more goals may come from the magic-feet of the Argentine star.
The magical night in Kansas City included several other massive milestones for the 38-year-old.
He became the first male player to feature in six different World Cup tournaments.
The match was his 200th international appearance for Argentina.
Age Record: Messi became the oldest player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup.
Messi dazzles to equal World Cup scoring record as Argentina breeze past Algeria
The Inter Miami midfielder also became the first male player to appear at six World Cups, a record that feels certain to be equalled by Cristiano Ronaldo when Portugal begin play.
Messi had been recovering from a muscle injury in recent weeks but any doubt surrounding the Argentinian captain’s status was quickly wiped away when he was named to Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI, and those doubts were ancient history once the match began.
Imagine Messi never thought he would play this World Cup. And how he has lighted it up with a hat trick against Algeria.
Imagine this guy, never thought he would play this World Cup. And how he has lighted it up.
Almost 40 now, 38 to be precise. Messi was once diagnosed with a deficiency which wouldn’t have allowed him to grow beyond 4ft 7 inches.
His skill took him to Barcelona, which sponsored the hormonal injections. He grew to a height of 5 ft 7 inches
"Football saved Messi, and Messi returned the gift many times over to the Beautiful Game," commented a regular 'admirer' of this blog - Patel Bhau in Maharashtra.
A trademark, mazy run was capped by a drive on the edge of the box from that famed left foot. The power was too much for Algeria keeper Luca Zidane, son of World Cup winner with France, Zinedine.
Messi doubled his tally on the hour mark with a simple tap-in from a rebound off the keeper following a drive from Alexis Mac Allister.
The moment that was magical even for a player as decorated as Messi came in the 76th minute when he drilled low past the keeper from just outside the box.
The strike took Messi level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals.
His substitution came just three minutes later to a standing ovation – even old maestro seemed disappointed to be removed, and most likely rested for Argentina’s tilt at becoming only the third side to defend a World Cup title.
Four minutes in, Messi raced clear and put the ball past Algeria's keeper, Luca Zidane, only for the offside flag to prevent what would have been a fairytale start. Fans celebrated as if they had won the World Cup. Journalists turned to each other with a look of the inevitable. It was happening. This was just a delay.
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