Lionel Messi marked Argentina’s World Cup title defence with a sensational hat-trick as the reigning champions crushed Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City on Tuesday night, underlining their status as overwhelming favourites to retain the trophy they won in Qatar three and a half years ago.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened his account after just 17 minutes, rocketing Argentina into the lead with a powerful finish following a breathtaking solo run. Messi then demonstrated his predatory instincts to double the lead on 60 minutes, reacting quickest to tap in from close range. He completed his treble on 76 minutes with a composed, low finish into the bottom corner after initiating the move himself, driving through midfield before combining with Giovani González and capitalising as Julián Álvarez’s run drew defenders away.
Both Messi and Algeria had early goals disallowed — Messi caught offside after slotting home in the fifth minute, while Algerian midfielder Chaibi thought he had put his side ahead eight minutes in before the flag cut short any celebrations. But the night ultimately belonged to Messi, whose hat-trick gave him 17 World Cup goals in total and further cemented his status as the tournament’s all-time record scorer.
The result was a statement of intent from Lionel Scaloni’s side, who arrived in Kansas City as top seeds in Group J having topped South American qualifying with 12 wins from 18 games and having added the 2024 Copa America to their growing collection. Algeria, making their first World Cup appearance since 2014 after winning CAF Group G in qualifying, had reached the quarter-finals of last year’s Africa Cup of Nations under Vladimir Petkovic and were considered one of the more intriguing dark horse teams in the group, but they had no answer to a Messi in this kind of form.
