Lionel Messi’s Record-Breaking Hat-Trick Leads Argentina to Historic World Cup Win Over Algeria

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Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling hattrick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cementing his status as one of the tournament’s most dominant players. The match, held on June 17, 2026, saw the 35-year-old forward break a 12-year-old World Cup hattrick record, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time men’s World Cup goal record of 16.

According to sporza.be, Messi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a low drive into the bottom corner, followed by a second goal in the 62nd minute after a solo run through Algeria’s defense. His third goal came in the 78th minute, a composed finish following a cross from Julián Álvarez. The win marked Argentina’s first World Cup victory since their 2022 triumph, with coach Lionel Scaloni praising Messi’s “unbelievable” performance.

The hattrick also extended Messi’s lead as the all-time top scorer in men’s World Cup history, surpassing Germany’s Klose, who scored his 16 goals across four tournaments between 2002 and 2006. De Telegraaf reported that Messi received a standing ovation from the crowd at the MetLife Stadium in New York, where the match was hosted.

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The match was not without controversy. Nieuwsblad cited eyewitness accounts of clashes between Argentine and Algerian fans in Times Square following the game, marking the first reported incidents of violence at the 2026 World Cup. Local authorities confirmed at least 15 arrests, with police stating the disturbances began after Algeria’s captain, Riyad Mahrez, was shown a red card in the 82nd minute. A spokesperson for the New York Police Department said the incidents were “isolated” and that security measures had been reinforced for upcoming matches.

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Messi’s performance has reignited debates about his legacy. At 35, he is the oldest player to score a hattrick in a World Cup match, surpassing the previous record held by France’s Michel Platini, who achieved the feat at 31 in 1982. According to HLNLIVE, Messi’s three goals in the tournament now place him at 10 goals overall, with five matches remaining in the group stage.

The win also highlighted Argentina’s dominance in the Group C standings, with the team securing maximum points from their first two matches. Algeria, meanwhile, faces a critical test against Mexico in their next game, with a loss likely to eliminate them from contention.

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Supporters of both teams have expressed mixed reactions to the match. Argentine fans celebrated Messi’s achievement, with social media trending under the hashtag #MessiWorldCup2026. Algerian supporters, however, criticized their team’s defensive lapses, with some calling for the resignation of coach Djamel Belmadi.

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The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has seen a surge in global viewership, with the opening matches drawing record audiences. FIFA officials confirmed that the tournament’s broadcast rights have already generated $4.2 billion in revenue, surpassing the 2018 and 2022 editions.

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Looking ahead, Messi’s next challenge comes against Poland in a crucial Group C encounter on June 22. Argentina’s victory over Algeria has positioned them as strong favorites to advance to the knockout stages, while Algeria must win their remaining matches to avoid early elimination.

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The match’s significance extends beyond the pitch. Messi’s hattrick has been compared to his 2022 World Cup final performance, where he scored the winning goal against France. Sports analysts, including those at GVA, have noted that his ability to perform under pressure remains unmatched, with one commentator stating, “Messi isn’t just a player—he’s a phenomenon.”

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As the World Cup progresses, the focus will shift to how other teams respond to Argentina’s dominance. Teams like France, Brazil, and England have already announced tactical adjustments to counter Messi’s influence, with coach Didier Deschamps describing the Argentine forward as “the greatest threat in the tournament.”

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For now, Messi’s hattrick has solidified his place in World Cup history. With two more matches in the group stage, the 2026 tournament could yet see the 35-year-old etch his name alongside legends like Pelé and Maradona. As sporza.be noted, “The world is watching, and Messi is delivering.”