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Last updated: June 22, 2026
Lionel Messi produced one of the defining moments of the 2026 World Cup group stage, scoring his first ever World Cup hat-trick as defending champions Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 on June 16. The performance moved Messi level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the joint-leading goalscorer in World Cup history, on 16 goals.
Argentina, the reigning champions from 2022, controlled the Group J fixture from start to finish. Messi scored throughout the match to seal the 3-0 win and register the tournament’s first hat-trick. At this stage of his career, possibly his last World Cup, the moment carried huge emotional weight for Argentina fans worldwide.
The hat-trick brought Messi to 16 career World Cup goals, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose, who set the record across four tournaments from 2002 to 2014. Messi now has a chance to claim the record outright as Argentina progress through the 2026 tournament. It is a staggering achievement for a player who has now appeared at multiple World Cups across nearly two decades.
Beyond the personal milestone, the win was a statement of intent. Argentina arrived in North America defending the trophy they won in Qatar, and a commanding 3-0 victory in their group opener signalled they remain genuine contenders. With Messi in this kind of form, the holders look dangerous.
Argentina sit in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and tournament debutants Jordan. After the win over Algeria, Argentina faced Austria on June 22 at AT&T Stadium in Texas, with a final group game against Jordan to come on June 27. Top spot in the group, and a favourable Round of 32 draw, was the target.
The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams, with 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format means the top two from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed sides, reach a new Round of 32. For a side like Argentina, navigating the larger field requires squad depth as well as star quality, and Messi’s brilliance gives them the edge few others can match.
Argentina’s sky-blue and white stripes are among the most iconic in football, and demand always spikes during a deep World Cup run. Shop the 2026 national team jersey collection to wear the colours of the defending champions, or browse our stars to watch guide for more on the tournament’s biggest names.
Yes. Lionel Messi scored his first ever World Cup hat-trick on June 16, 2026 as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in the group stage.
After the hat-trick against Algeria, Messi has 16 career World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time joint top scorer in World Cup history.
Argentina are in Group J, alongside Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan.