2026 FIFA World Cup (Group J):
- Argentina 3-0 Algeria
A clinical Lionel Andres Messi scored thrice (a hattrick) in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over African representatives Algeria at the Kansas City stadium on Wednesday.
Messi, now 38 years old struck in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes as the reigning champions kicked off their title defence in style.
It was a statement of intent from the Latin Americans in their first game of the championship, showcasing maturity, physicality, urgency and precision.
Messi opened the scoring business with a typical odd goal from about 35 yards on 17 minutes moments before the mandatory hydration break.
He returned on the hour mark for the second goal, an easy tap in from inside the goal area after the goalkeeper Luca Zidane had spilled the ball from Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool football club.
The Inter Miami football club talisman then completed his hattrick with 14 minutes left on the clock with yet another thunderbolt.
This is the first hattrick of the tournament as Messi ascends to the summit of the top scorers.
Deservedly, Messi was named the man of the match.
In the same group, Austria squared up against Jordan at the San Francisco Bay Area stadium, Santa Clara.
Next matches:
Portugal faces DR Congo in Group K on Wednesday, 17th June 2026 at the Houston stadium in Houston city.
In Group L; England will take on Croatia at the Dallas stadium, Arlington. In the same pool; Ghana lockshorns against Panama at Toronto stadium.
The other Group K fixture has Uzebekistan tussling Colombia at the Mexico City stadium in Mexico city.
