Lionel Messi scores historic hat trick sinking Algeria 3-0
Defending champions Argentina launched their World Cup title defense with a dominant victory as Lionel Messi equaled the all-time tournament scoring record. Playing his 200th international match, the talismanic captain dismantled Algeria with a spectacular treble, drawing level with German striker Miroslav Klose at 16 tournament goals. At 38 years old, he became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick, coincidentally achieving this milestone exactly two decades after his first tournament goal in 2006.
Magical moments defined the encounter. Opening the scoring in the 17th minute, the veteran forward collected a quick free-kick from Rodrigo De Paul and fired a long-range rocket past Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
Capitalising on a loose rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister strike, the skipper tapped in his second goal before sealing the victory in the 76th minute. Initiating a trademark solo run from midfield, he exchanged passes with Nico Gonzalez and curled a signature low finish into the bottom corner. Odisha football enthusiasts will fondly recall Argentina's previous dominant tournament runs, but this clinical display sets a blistering standard for the 2026 campaign.
With Inputs from Agency threads and Image Courtesy: ANI
