Argentina vs Algeria, FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights: Argentina Launch World Cup Defence In Style, Thrash Algeria 3-0 At Kansas City Stadium

Lionel Messi recorded his first-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick as Argentina triumphed 3-0 over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. With this performance, the Argentine icon has now scored 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Miroslav Klose on the all-time scoring chart.

Nabil Bentaleb and Ibraim Maza pave the way for Adil Boulbina and Ramiz Zerrouki.

Lionel Messi and Cristian Romero pave the way for Nico Paz and Nicolas Otamendi.

Lionel Messi has scored his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick. A left-footed shot from outside the box and finds the bottom left corner.

Lionel Messi becomes just the 2nd player to score in 5 FIFA World Cups. He has now also moved level with Rnaldo on 14 goals and is just one behind Mirosslav Klose who is the highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.

Lionel Messi finds a ball and he is through into the Algerian box. Tries to whish past Zidane, but his outstretched hands denies him a hattrick.

Lionel Messi registers his name on the scoresheet again. A long-range shot from Alexis Mac Allister is paved away by Algeria keeper. But the rebound comes to Lionel Messi and he slots it past to make it two for his country.

Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada pave the way for Julian Alvarez and Nico Gonzalez.

Lionel Messi finds Lautaro Martinez with a crisp pass, but Lautaro Martinez's shot is saved by Zidane.

Lionel Messi goes closer to the penalty box and launches one curling effort, but it sails over the goal.

Lionel Messi becomes the 2nd player to score in 5 FIFA World Cups.

Lionel Messi's 17th-minute goal proves to be the only goal in the match so far.

Ibrahim Maza finds Fares Chaibi in a good space. Chaibi takes a couple of touches and decides to shoot, but his shot goes way over the goal.

Thiago Almada gets a ball on the left flank and tries to curl in. But the ball goes way over the goal.

Lionel Messi manages to find small pockets of space in the Algerian attacking third and tries to get into good positions by exchanging passes with his colleagues.

Almada wins a freekick but Lionel Messi couldn't convert it properly.

Argentina are moving the ball with utmost confidence and Algeria don't have any answer at this moment.

Lionel Messi's 17th-minute goal has been the difference maker as of now.

It is all Argentina at the moment. Algeria are struggling to move the ball in the park.

A stunner from the Inter Miami star has put Argentina on the front. Messi has now scored 14 FIFA World Cup goals for Argentina. Messi gets to the edge of the box and picks the top corner with his swerving shot.

Almada nearly comes up with a brilliant defence-splitting pass, but it proves to be too long for Lautaro Martinez.

Ibrahim Maza comes up with a great pass to Fares Chaibi. Fares Chaibi thinks he has scored the opening goal for Argentina, but he has been judged offside by the barest of margins.

Lionel Messi thought he has provided a lead to Argentina, but he has been given offside. Relief for Algeria.

A straight header from Lautaro Martinez, but straight to the Algeria goalkeeper.

Argentina vs Algeria has kicked off.

Both anthems are being played just ahead of the match.

Argentina and Algeria will kickstart proceedings in Group J, which also has Austria and Jordan.

The Argentina vs Algeria match will kick off at 6:30 AM IST. Live telecast will be available on United8 Sports, while live streaming will be available on the Zee5 app and website.

Algeria have only qualified for the FIFA World Cup 5 times, and they reached the RO16 in 2014, which happens to be their best display.

Lionel Messi becomes the first player to appear in 6 FIFA World Cups.

Algeria (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Hadj Moussa, Chaibi, Gouiri; Maza.

Argentina (4-3-3): E. Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Almada.