Kansas City: Lionel Messi delivered yet another unforgettable World Cup performance, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.

The 38-year-old captain struck three times at Arrowhead Stadium to equal Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, further cementing his place among football's greatest-ever players.

Messi opened the scoring in the early stages after being picked out by Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, before adding a second shortly after the break. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, finishing off a flowing move involving substitute Nico Gonzalez before receiving a standing ovation when he was later substituted.

The landmark performance came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro on June 16, 2006, a match in which he also found the net.

Another record falls

With the treble, Messi became only the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in five different editions of the FIFA World Cup. The Argentine also extended his scoring streak to five consecutive World Cup matches.

The hat-trick was the 61st of Messi's professional career and his 11th for the Argentina national team.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was once again left marvelling at his captain's brilliance.

"At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He's incredible," Scaloni said.

"Everyone in football wants to see him and enjoys it."

Chasing history

Messi's three goals moved him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose atop the World Cup scoring charts with 16 goals. With at least two group-stage matches remaining, the Argentine superstar now has the opportunity to become the outright leading scorer in tournament history.

The appearance against Algeria was also the 200th international match of Messi's career. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa have made more appearances in men's international football.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner entered the tournament after recovering from a minor hamstring issue suffered while playing for Inter Miami, but looked sharp throughout Argentina's opening fixture.

Mbappe, Haaland shine too

Messi's heroics overshadowed notable performances elsewhere in the tournament.

France star Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a 3-1 win over Senegal to move onto 14 World Cup goals, while Norway striker Erling Haaland netted a brace in his side's 4-1 victory over Iraq.

"Messi is a madman," Haaland wrote on social media after the match.

Messi-mania in Kansas City

Argentina's arrival in Kansas City has sparked a wave of excitement among football fans, and thousands of supporters dressed in the famous No.10 jersey packed Arrowhead Stadium for the Group J clash.

The atmosphere around the city reflected Messi's enduring popularity, with fan events drawing huge crowds throughout the World Cup build-up.

As Argentina began their quest to retain the title won in Qatar four years ago, Messi once again proved why many regard him as the greatest player the game has ever seen.