Messi's hat-trick vs Algeria makes him first player in six World Cups, ties all-time scoring record
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup Group J opener, marking his 200th senior appearance for Argentina. At 38 years and 357 days, he became the oldest player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla's 1990 record. The milestone also made Messi the first footballer to feature in six different World Cup tournaments. His three goals took his World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose as the competition's joint-highest goalscorer ever.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a left-footed strike after Algeria's early chances went unconverted. He doubled Argentina's lead in the 60th minute following a goalkeeping error, then completed his hat-trick with 15 minutes left via a swift counterattack. The victory extends Argentina's impressive run to 14 wins in their last 16 matches across all competitions as they begin their title defence.
For Nigerian football fans who follow global stars despite the Super Eagles' absence from this tournament, Messi's sustained excellence at 38 offers a lesson in longevity and dedication—what does his ability to evolve his game over two decades teach about maintaining peak performance in any profession?