Lionel Messi secured his first World Cup hat-trick last night, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener at Kansas City.
It was a performance that underscored his enduring importance to this squad, as the 38-year-old continues to command the pitch with the same precision that defined his match-winning display in the 2022 World Cup final.
The match began with Messi testing the Algerian defense early, though an opening goal was ruled out for offside in the fourth minute. He eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, beating Luca Zidane with a curled strike from 25 yards that the goalkeeper could not parry away.
Messi doubled the lead just after the hour mark, capitalizing on a defensive error from Zidane to slot the ball home. This goal made him the oldest player to record a brace in a World Cup match and brought his tally to 10 goals in the tournament since turning 35. This individual milestone surpasses the total World Cup career output of legendary forwards like Diego Maradona, Thierry Henry, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, converting a pass from substitute Nico Gonzalez. The achievement marked his 16th goal in World Cup finals, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose for the all-time tournament record. By taking the pitch, Messi also extended his record to six World Cup appearances, a feat of longevity unrivaled in the modern era.
The match was not without controversy. During the first half, Messi was involved in a challenge with defender Aissa Mandi that prompted calls for a red card. The referee and the VAR booth reviewed the incident and allowed play to continue without disciplinary action, a decision that remained a primary point of discussion after the final whistle.
Argentina’s performance was characterized by tactical discipline, but Messi’s efficiency in the final third remains their primary advantage. While the team remains well-organized, the ability of their captain to dictate the pace and finalize high-pressure opportunities positions Argentina as a serious threat to defend their title.
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