Messi Turns Back the Clock with Opening-Day Hat-Trick

At 38 years old, Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance to kick off Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, scoring a hat-trick in a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.

The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark strike from outside the box, a goal that carried added significance as it marked Messi’s fifth World Cup goal from beyond the penalty area—equalling the long-standing tournament record held by Brazilian legend Rivellino. He added a second on the hour mark in the 60th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 76th, giving the defending champions the perfect start to their title defense.

Making his sixth World Cup appearance, Messi once again showed why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players. As the goals piled up, supporters inside the stadium—regardless of allegiance—rose to appreciate a player whose legacy transcends rivalries and national borders.

With such a strong opening statement, the question inevitably arises: could Argentina become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title? It is far too early to tell, but Argentina could hardly have asked for a better start to its title defense. With Messi still leading the way, La Albiceleste once again showed why it remains among the favorites to lift the trophy.

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