Messi notches hat trick as Argentina strolls past Algeria in 3-0 victory

Argentina strolled on past Algeria with help of a Messi hat trick. The one-sided affair saw Argentina dominate en route to a 3-0 win.

The first eight minutes of the match saw much drama and incredible swings in momentum.

Predictably, Argentina would open the game looking strong.

In the 5th minute it had seemed Lionel Messi had found his first goal of the 2026 World Cup.

But the offsides flag would say otherwise, nullifying the goal.

Just three minutes later in the 8th, Algeria looked to draw first blood.

Farès Chaïbi would find himself through on goal, sinking home the shot.

But a brief moment later, following a review, it was determined that Chaïbi was offside.

Messi wouldn’t have to wait long for his next opportunity, however.

In the 17th minute he would have another chance to put Argentina ahead.

Driving with the ball, he fired a strike from the top of penalty arc, slotting the shot into the top right corner.

The Algerians would have to wait till the 41st minute for their first shot.

Chaïbi would miss wide left, however.

Both sides would have few attempts on net through the first 45 minutes.

With just seven shots combined during the first half.

At the half, Argentina would retain their one goal advantage.

Entering the second half, Algeria spent a significant amount of time in Argentina’s half of the field but could not manage a shot.

Argentina would get off the first strike of the second half, with Messi launching a ball from range over the bar in the 51st minute.

The game would remain quiet for a moment while both sides tried to find an opportunity.

But in the 60th minute, Messi would find his second.

Following a shot that Algerian goalkeeper, Luca Zidane could not corral, Messi would clean up the rebound.

Notching himself a brace and the second goal of the night for Argentina.

But Messi wasn’t done there.

In the 66th minute, Messi would get a 1-on-2 opening on Zidane.

He would unleash a strike, but this time, Zidane would redirect it out of play for a corner.

But World Cup champion Messi would not be denied his hat trick.

Argentina would bring an offensive push to the edge of the box in the 76th minute.

Nico González would find Messi in open space in the middle of the field.

After a few steps to collect the ball, Messi would sting his third goal into the back of the net.

The full-time whistle closed the final scored as a 3-0 dominant Argentine win.

Algeria and Argentina will both play their second group stage match on Monday.

Algeria will look to bounce back against Jordan at 11 a.m.

Argentina will look to continue their dominant run, facing Austria at 3 p.m.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jun 16, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.