Magical Messi scores a World Cup hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria

Defending World Cup champions Argentina kick-started their defence with a clash against Africa's Algeria in Kansas City. The exciting fixture had eyes focusing on one player in particular, Lionel Messi.

While Argentina were expected to win the clash, the game was never going to be that easy. Lionel Messi found the back of the net just minutes into the clash, but his early goal was ruled out for offside. It was an early spark for Argentina, who were looking to set a high tempo from minute one.

Although the South Americans started well, Algeria also showed their threats in front of goal. Eintracht Frankfurt's Fares Chaibi netted the opening goal in the game in the eighth minute, or so he thought, before it was ruled out for offside. The early warning sign for Argentina was a wake-up call for them, as they looked to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a win.

Nine minutes on from Algeria's goal being ruled out, Argentina's magician, Lionel Messi, found the back of the net after a powerful strike from the edge of the box could not be saved by Luca Zidane.

Messi showed his striker's instinct for his second goal, as he pounced on a loose ball spilt from Zidane and converted home for his and Argentina's second of the game.

The 39-year-old sealed his hat-trick by curling home a low strike from the edge of the box, beating the outstretched Algerian goalkeeper, and netting Argentina's third of the game.

Messi is now the joint all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16, alongside Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Next up for Messi and Argentina is a clash against Austria, who defeated Jordan 3-1 in their first game at this summer's tournament. The game will be crucial to determine who finishes top of the group ahead of matchweek three.