Argentina vs Algeria: Messi Hat-Trick Matches Klose in a 3-0 Rout
Updated 17 June 2026.
Argentina vs Algeria at World Cup 2026 finished 3-0 to Argentina, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. Messi struck on 17, 60 and 76 minutes at Arrowhead Stadium, a one-man demolition that gave the defending champions a perfect start to the defence of their crown.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Argentina 3-0 Algeria |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group J |
| Venue | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (att. 69,045) |
| Argentina scorer | Messi 17′, 60′, 76′ |
| Algeria scorer | None |
How Argentina won so comfortably
Algeria had no answer for Lionel Messi. He opened the scoring inside 17 minutes, curling home with the composure that has defined two decades at the top, and Argentina never looked back. Algeria pushed for a way into the game but could not break down a champions’ defence that barely had to break sweat.
Messi added a second on 60 minutes and completed his hat-trick on 76, each goal carrying the same cool finishing that has made him the most decorated player of his generation. By the time the third went in, Arrowhead Stadium was chanting his name, aware it had just watched history.
Messi matches Klose’s all-time record
The hat-trick took Messi to 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time record set across four tournaments for Germany. Messi reached the mark in his sixth World Cup, at 38 years old, in what may be his last appearance at the tournament. It is the kind of milestone that will define how this World Cup is remembered, whatever happens from here.
What Argentina vs Algeria World Cup 2026 means for Group J
Argentina go top of Group J on goal difference, level on points with Austria after round one. Algeria, beaten and goalless, face Jordan next knowing a response is essential to stay in the qualification picture. Follow the group on our standings page.
What is next
Both sides return to Group J action, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. Catch up on the rest of the day’s games in our June 16 roundup, and see the format, venues and full schedule in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Argentina vs Algeria?
Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup 2026 Group J opener on 16 June at Arrowhead Stadium, with Lionel Messi scoring all three goals.
How many World Cup goals does Messi have now?
Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria took him to 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time record.
Did Algeria score against Argentina?
No, Algeria failed to score as Argentina won 3-0, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.
Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J.
