Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in the defending champions' opening match of the 2026 World Cup, tying the all-time tournament scoring record. The milestone, reported by sports outlet Abu Ali Express, brings Argentina a strong start in their title defense.
Argentina's defending champions opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday morning, as captain Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick — all three goals — to tie the all-time tournament scoring record, first reported by sports outlet Abu Ali Express.
Throughout the match, The Zioneer tracked the development in real time. At 04:20 Jerusalem, multiple versions reported Messi scoring his 14th career World Cup goal (16th minute, per broadcaster Ben Goldfriend), then a brace to put Argentina 2-0 up, and finally the hat-trick that tied the record — all within the first half at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri. By 04:20 Jerusalem, the 3-0 final score was confirmed. At 05:43 Jerusalem, earlier reporting by The Zioneer had noted Messi's record-tying goal during the match; further reporting at 04:20 Jerusalem added that Messi made his 200th appearance for Argentina and later fought back tears, saying 'I went through hard days.'
As The Zioneer reported at 04:11 Jerusalem, Argentina's World Cup campaign opened tonight against Algeria; the team entered as world champions. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever and still Argentina's captain, had also scored two minutes into his substitute appearance in a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland on June 10, 2026 (07:30 Jerusalem), according to Ben Goldfriend. Argentina's 2-0 warm-up victory over Honduras on June 7 (07:21 Jerusalem) came without the injured Messi.
The reports of Messi's emotional distress after the match remain based on Israeli media accounts; no on-camera or on-record quote from Messi himself has been published in the thread or context provided. The all-time scoring record that Messi has tied is not specified by name or number of goals.
6 developments
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