Messi : Hat-Trick Against Algeria Proves the Legend Refuses to Age

June 16, 2026 – Kansas City

In Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the defending champions defeated Algeria 3–0 at Arrowhead Stadium. The star of the night was unmistakable: Lionel Messi, who scored all three goals.At 38 years old and making his 200th appearance for Argentina, the Albiceleste captain once again reminded the football world why he remains one of the greatest players of all time.

The Hat-Trick: 17’, 60’, 76’

17th Minute:
Messi drove through the center of the field before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, could only get a slight touch.

60th Minute:
After a rebound spilled by Zidane, Messi reacted quickest inside the box and calmly finished from close range.

76th Minute:
Messi completed his hat-trick with a precise low finish into the corner, recording his 120th international goal. He was substituted in the 80th minute to a standing ovation from a crowd that witnessed another historic performance.

Remarkable Numbers

16 FIFA World Cup goals – Messi equals the all-time World Cup scoring record previously held by Miroslav Klose.
6 World Cups played – the first player in football history to achieve this milestone.
Turns 39 on June 24 – yet continues to perform at the highest level.

As many observers noted, Messi continues to dominate and deliver on football’s biggest stage.

The Ongoing Messi vs. Mbappé Debate

Just one day earlier, Kylian Mbappé scored a brace for France. Messi answered with a hat-trick of his own 24 hours later.

The performance immediately reignited discussions about football’s greatest players and fueled dreams of another Argentina–France World Cup final on July 19.

America’s Football Icon

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has become the face of Major League Soccer and one of the most influential figures in North American sports.Playing this World Cup on North American soil has given him a unique home-field atmosphere, and fans across the continent continue to celebrate every moment of his extraordinary career.

What Comes Next?

Argentina begins its title defense in perfect fashion and now turns its attention to its next group-stage match against Saudi Arabia.The question is no longer how long Messi can continue playing—it is how much more history he can make. As he approaches his 39th birthday, Messi is chasing another Ballon d’Or and the possibility of leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.