Argentina 3-0 Algeria: Messi sends records tumbling with hat-trick

Welcome to the highlights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Defending champions Argentina began their historic title defence against Algeria with a strong 3-0 win in an explosive Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium today (17th June). All eyes were glued to the legendary Lionel Messi, who made his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance in what many believe is his final international tournament and boy did he made it count. The Argentine legend scored his first hat-trick of the World Cup to get his team over the line in style. Messi has now leveled with Miroslav Klose (16 goals) as the leading scorer in the World Cup (all-time). Messi was the architect of Argentina’s super performance today. Kansas was fortunate to witness a top-tier effort from a legend, who’s possibly appearing in his final World Cup. It would be hard to say who could prevent Argentina from defending their title.

Argentina Vs Algeria LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: H2H Record

Matches played: 1
Argentina wins: 1
Algeria wins: 0
Draws: 0
Goals scored by Argentina: 4
Goals scored by Algeria: 3

17 Jun 2026, 05:36:34 am IST

Argentina Vs Algeria LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi’s Injury Status

Messi seeks 200th cap if and when he enters the field of action. The Inter Miami ace is nursing an injury and his manager has been skeptical of his inclusion.

“Not only the Argentinian population but everybody — the whole planet — wants to see him play,” ARG coach Lionel Scaloni explained. “Everybody wants to see him on the pitch, because he has an effect not only on Argentina fans but supporters all over the world.”

“There’s nothing negative to say,” Scaloni said. “He’s always been there, and he’s essential for us. He’s going to remain that way.”

Argentina Vs Algeria LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi Starts

ARG Starting XI: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.

ALG Starting XI: Luca Zidane; Mohamed Farsi Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Hicham Boudaoui, Ahmed Kendouci Maza, Nabil Bentaleb; Anis Hadj Moussa, Amine Gouiri, Farid El Melali Chaibi

Messi’s hat-trick moved Argentina closer to the knockout stage. Check the latest Group J standings and Argentina’s upcoming World Cup fixtures for more details.