Messi storms with hat-trick, Argentina starts World Cup mission with victory


Published: 12:03 17 June 2026
The reigning champions Argentina showed their strength in the first match of the World Cup. The Albiceleste made a great start to the tournament by defeating Algeria 3-0 thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi.
Argentina kept control of the match in their hands from the start. They kept the opponent under pressure with offensive football and created one chance after another. In the continuation of this, Messi scored a goal in the 17th minute of the match with a great long-range shot to put the team ahead.
Argentina went into the break with that one-goal lead in the first half. However, the world champions looked even more dangerous in the second half. Messi doubled the lead in the 60th minute by sending the ball back from the goalkeeper into the net.
Then, in the 76th minute, the Argentine superstar completed his hat-trick and almost ensured the outcome of the match. This is also considered the first hat-trick of his career on the World Cup stage.
Messi's impeccable performance not only earned Argentina three points, but also sent a strong message to his rivals in the fight to retain the title. His leadership throughout the match, ball control and goal-scoring ability once again proved why he is one of the best footballers in the world.
With this victory, Argentina got a confident start in the group stage. And football fans' eyes are now on Messi and his team in the next match.
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