Argentina got its title defence underway against Algeria in a 3-0 win in Kansas City, where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick. | Photo Credit: AP

Lionel Messi hailed a “beautiful moment” after becoming the World Cup’s joint all-time leading goalscorer in his record-breaking sixth finals appearance on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain etched another memorable chapter in his glittering career with a brilliant hat-trick in the South Americans’ 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.

Messi’s hat-trick, his first ever at a World Cup, took him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

“To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment,” Inter Miami star Messi said afterwards. “I’m happy.”

Messi’s razor-sharp eye for goal augurs well for Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.

“The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group,” Messi said afterwards.

“I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start with a win in the first game.

“I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this. We packed the stadium again.”

Published on Jun 17, 2026