New Delhi, June 17: In a thrilling opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina triumphed over Algeria with a score of 3-0. Lionel Messi, playing his 200th international match, showcased his extraordinary talent, becoming the joint highest goal scorer in World Cup history.
Messi delivered a stunning performance, netting three goals against Algeria. With this achievement, he equaled the record of 16 goals set by former German player Miroslav Klose in World Cup tournaments. Messi displayed his prowess early, scoring the first goal for Argentina in the 17th minute, leaving the goalkeeper helpless with a powerful shot.
The second half saw Messi continue to dazzle. In the 60th minute, he capitalized on a rebound, effortlessly sending the ball into the net. He completed his hat trick in the 76th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box, proving too much for Algeria’s defense. This marked the 61st time in his career that Messi scored three goals in a single match and his 11th hat trick while representing Argentina.
After his remarkable feat, Messi was substituted in the 80th minute, receiving a standing ovation from fans as he left the field. With this match, he also achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first player in history to participate in six World Cups. Prior to this game, Messi had scored 13 goals in 26 matches, but he showcased his brilliance by scoring three goals in just one match.
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