On 16/6 at Arrowhead Stadium, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, including two left-footed goals from outside the box and a right-footed diagonal tap-in, helping Argentina defeat Algeria three-0 in their first match of Group J, World Cup 2026.

This hat-trick raised Messi's total World Cup goals to 16, matching the record held by German legend Miroslav Klose. It also marked the first time in his career that the Argentina captain achieved a hat-trick in the world's premier global football tournament.

Hours earlier, Kylian Mbappe scored two goals to help France beat Senegal three-1, and Erling Haaland also scored two goals in Norway's four-1 win over Iraq. However, Messi's performance dominated headlines on the day.

Erling Haaland's (left) and Thomas Muller's reactions after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria. Photo: screenshot

On Snapchat, the Norwegian striker posted a selfie with the short caption: "Messi is insane" along with a crown emoji.

Former German international Thomas Muller also expressed admiration on Instagram, sharing: "This man..." with a goat emoji, a symbol fans often use to refer to the greatest player of all time (GOAT).

During the match, in addition to scoring a hat-trick, Messi sparked controversy by avoiding a red card despite stepping on Aissa Mandi's calf in the 31st minute. The referee did not issue a yellow card, and VAR did not intervene.

When asked about the incident, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic declined to comment extensively on the referee's decision. "It is meaningless to talk about assumptions right now. Everyone, including me, has reviewed the situation. But I do not want to comment further," he said at the post-match press conference.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic reacts during the match at Kansas City Stadium, USA on 16/6/2026. Photo: Reuters

Instead, Petkovic focused on analyzing his team's mistakes and Messi's influence. The Serbian coach suggested that Algeria had given the 38-year-old star opportunities to shine. "We are not talking about an ordinary player but someone who has won eight Ballons d'Or. Unfortunately, we gave him opportunities for both the first and second goals. Algeria made Messi's scoring easier," he commented.

Messi's opening goal.

According to Petkovic, Messi's class extends beyond his finishing ability to his tactical mindset and cohesion with the Argentina squad. He also acknowledged that Argentina is on a different level compared to Algeria. The Bosnian coach refused to blame goalkeeper Luca Zidane – son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane – who was perceived to have made mistakes on the first and second goals conceded.

Messi makes it two-0.

"With his game-reading ability and clear footballing vision, Messi can make everything simpler because he is a team player," Petkovic said. "Messi has the advantage that the entire Argentina team has built its style of play around him for many years and achieved extraordinary accomplishments together."

Lionel Messi waves to fans before Argentina's three-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of Group J, World Cup 2026 at Kansas City Stadium, USA on 16/6/2026. Photo: AP

Argentina is one of four teams that selected the Kansas City metropolitan area as its base during the 2026 World Cup. Since the South American team arrived about two weeks ago, Messi's appeal has resonated strongly throughout the city.

On match day, thousands of fans wearing Messi's number 10 jersey flocked to the Kansas City Chiefs' home stadium in suburban Kansas City, chanting songs for their idol.

At a watch party event in the Power & Light District, downtown Kansas City, a person dressed as a goat – a symbol associated with Messi's GOAT moniker – appeared on stage with former NFL quarterback and TV commentator Jameis Winston. Both wore Argentina national team jerseys, contributing to the feverish atmosphere surrounding the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

This excitement is expected to continue in the next match, when Argentina plays Austria at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA at 0h on 23/6, Hanoi time.

Hong Duy (according to Express, Fox Sports, Ole)