Lionel Messi's greatness shines with World Cup hat trick against Algeria

Lionel Messi continues to show why he’s nan champion soccer subordinate successful nan world.

The Argentine prima led his squad to a 3-0 triumph against Algeria successful their first group-stage lucifer astatine nan 2026 FIFA World Cup connected Tuesday night. He delivered each 3 goals for his side, picking up nan first World Cup chapeau instrumentality of his career.

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Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts aft scoring his 3rd extremity during nan World Cup Group J lucifer against Algeria successful Kansas City, Mo., connected June 16, 2026. (Ed Zurga/AP Photo)

The 3 goals moved him into a necktie pinch Germany’s Miroslav Klose for nan profession scoring grounds astatine nan World Cup. He collapsed down successful tears aft scoring his first goal.

"My tears aft nan first goal? I’ve had immoderate reliable days. It wasn’t related to football. And those feelings were because of that," Messi said aft nan match, without providing details. "I convey my teammates, nan coaching unit and nan delegation for helping me."

Messi had been battling done a hamstring injury, which has plagued him for Inter Miami during the Major League Soccer season.

However, he seemed good successful a friends against Iceland starring up to nan World Cup.

Argentina's Lionel Messi smiles during nan World Cup Group J shot lucifer against Algeria successful Kansas City, Mo., connected June 16, 2026. (Ed Zurga/AP)

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"This is my sixth World Cup, and I still consciousness for illustration I’m successful bully shape," Messi said. "Fortunately, I’m doing well, and coming we managed to triumph a reliable match. It’s important to commencement nan tourney pinch a triumph successful nan first game, arsenic that’s ne'er easy successful a World Cup."

Messi’s heroics connected nan transportation drew a guidance from different superstar jock – Kansas City Chiefs backmost Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes posted a fewer goat emojis during Messi’s performance.

Messi is successful his sixth World Cup, marking 2 decades of power connected nan field. He led Argentina to a World Cup title successful 2022.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates pinch teammates aft scoring his team's 2nd extremity during nan World Cup Group J lucifer against Algeria successful Kansas City, Mo., connected June 16, 2026. (Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)

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"It makes maine very happy to person lived done everything that came my way. What I’m surviving done now is nan cherry connected top," Messi said. "I’m very happy and grateful for this awesome group. I bask it truthful much."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.