Lionel Messi hat trick today: Updated World Cup goals, highlights from Argentina vs. Algeria

With four years removed from hoisting the trophy in Lusail, Qatar, Lionel Messi and Argentina have made the trek to North America for the 2026 World Cup, and saying it started with some fire is understating it.

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In the team’s first group-stage match against Algeria, Messi scored not once, not twice, but three times en route to a dominant victory and the Little Boy From Rosario’s first-ever World Cup hat trick. Along with that feat, Messi also tied Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

With tonight’s win, Messi and La Albiceleste won their first World Cup opening match since the 2013 edition in Brazil, when they emerged victorious 2-1 over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Messi and his squad will play in Group J at this year’s World Cup. Along with Algeria, the group also features Austria and Jordan.

The Sporting News followed Messi’s goals, highlights, and live updates from the Argentina vs. Algeria match tonight. Here is everything you need to know about the eight-time Ballon d’Or and 2022 World Cup winner’s enthralling level of play during tonight’s match.

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Argentina vs. Algeria score

Lionel Messi stats today

• Minutes: 80
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 0
• Shots: 6
• Shots on target: 4
• Passes: 30
• Pass completion: 81% (30/37)
• Touches: 57
• Dribble completion: 0% (0/2)

Did Lionel Messi score a goal today?

Yes, Messi scored three goals today against Algeria; this was the first World Cup hat trick of his career. He is also now tied with Miroslav Klose as the highest scorer in World Cup history.

In the 17th minute, Messi unleashed a left-foot shot that was slotted in the top-right corner.

MESSI SCORES ARGENTINA’S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/JyNwqGCaFU

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

In the 60th minute, Messi put the finishing touches after Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, lost an Alexis Mac Allister shot. The effort fell right in front of Messi, and he didn’t think twice about where to put it.

IT’S A LIONEL MESSI BRACE IN THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/UySEduMBpo

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

In the 76th minute, Messi finally earned his elusive first hat trick at the World Cup with a left-footed rocket from outside the box. With this goal, he has tied the all-time World Cup scoring record.

MESSI SCORES HIS FIRST CAREER FIFA WORLD CUP HAT TRICK 🇦🇷

SCENES IN KANSAS CITY pic.twitter.com/HqeRkLGRay

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

Lionel Messi highlights, updates from Argentina vs. Algeria at World Cup

80′ Messi subbed off

10:40 p.m. — What a night for Messi. The man found a way to score his first hat trick and tie the all-time World Cup scoring record in a single night. Now, he can rest on the bench after he was subbed off for young phenom Nico Paz.

76′ Messi scores hat trick

10:38 p.m. — GOAL FOR ARGENTINA AND A HAT TRICK FOR MESSI! There are only so many things better than scoring twice in a soccer game, and one of those is a hat trick.

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If Messi didn’t finish off Algeria by himself before, he certainly did now with another stellar left-footed effort at the top of the Atlas Lions’ box. He is now tied with Miroslav Klose with 16 goals at the World Cup, the most in tournament history.

MESSI SCORES HIS FIRST CAREER FIFA WORLD CUP HAT TRICK 🇦🇷

SCENES IN KANSAS CITY pic.twitter.com/HqeRkLGRay

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

60′ Messi doubles Argentina’s lead

10:25 p.m. — GOAL FOR MESSI AND ARGENTINA! For the second time tonight, Messi has written his name on the scoresheet, this time scoring a brace off an Alexis Mac Allister shot that Zidane couldn’t properly handle.

IT’S A LIONEL MESSI BRACE IN THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/UySEduMBpo

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

10:15 p.m. — Just over the 50-minute mark, Messi was dribbling near the top of the box but sailed his left-footed effort over the bar. 

Halftime: Argentina 1-0 Algeria

9:50 p.m. — Despite a rather quiet half for Messi outside of his goal, the star has scored nonetheless. Messi now holds the record for both Argentina’s youngest and oldest goal scorers at the World Cup, an incredible feat.

Does he have enough in the tank for one more, or will he lie back and let his teammates do the talking in the second half?

17′ Messi goal

9:20 p.m. — GOAL FOR MESSI AND ARGENTINA! After an earlier Messi goal was disallowed, the «Little Boy From Rosario» scored his first goal at the 2026 World Cup.

Here is a clip of his absolute screamer that came from his prized left foot.

MESSI SCORES ARGENTINA’S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/JyNwqGCaFU

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

Pregame

8:18 p.m. — Messi and Argentina have taken the pitch for warmups at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Messi has become the first player ever to start in six separate World Cups.

Messi and Argentina are ready to defend their title

(via IG/viviankennellmedia) pic.twitter.com/CySDxN3Psr

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2026

How to watch Messi’s World Cup games

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

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