Argentina began their 2026 World Cup title defense with a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Lionel Messi scored all three goals in the match, netting in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes with assistance from Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Nico Gonzalez [2, 3]. The win gave Argentina a strong start in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan [1, 5].
Messi's hat-trick brought his total to 16 World Cup goals, tying the all-time scoring record held by Miroslav Klose [2, 6, 3, 4, 7]. At 38 years old, Messi became the first player to appear in six World Cups, further cementing his legacy [1, 8, 2, 6, 3, 4, 7]. "I'm happy, savouring every moment and excited as ever," Messi said after the match [1].
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi was fit to start after recovering from muscle fatigue, despite concerns following a muscle injury suffered by defender Nicolas Tagliafico in a pre-tournament friendly against Honduras on June 6 [1, 9, 8]. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was also cleared to start [1, 9]. Scaloni warned before the match, "It's a great team with quick players up front. It’s a good side to be careful with and to respect" [9]. After the win, he added, "This team knows that anyone can beat us. If you get a little overconfident, any opponent can win" [4].
Algeria fielded a squad coached by Vladimir Petkovic, who extended his contract through 2028 before the tournament [1, 5]. Algeria came in with a four-match unbeaten streak and featured a young rising star nicknamed "Mazadona" [1, 5]. Petkovic said, "Class is permanent, because we're not talking about any old player here, we're talking about a footballer who has won the Ballon d'Or seven or eight times in his career" [10]. He also acknowledged his team's defensive errors, stating, "It's not my style to blame one player or another but I do think we did make a few too many mistakes in terms of allowing the Argentina players to have free shots on goal" [10]. Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane made notable errors that led to Messi's first two goals [2, 10].
Argentina’s midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said, "It's an advantage to have Leo, because of how he manages the group and drives it forward" [3]. Messi described the moment as "a really beautiful moment" to enjoy with his family and teammates [6].
Argentina aim to become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups [1, 2]. Their next Group J match is scheduled for June 22 against Austria in Arlington, Texas [10, 4].
