Messi hat-trick buries Algeria in World Cup opener
Messi hat-trick sinks Algeria 3–0 in World Cup opener
Your team walked into Kansas City and ran straight into history. Lionel Messi scored all three goals as Argentina beat Algeria 3–0 in the Group H opener (1) (2) (3). It was his 200th international appearance, and he marked it by tying the all-time World Cup scoring record (4).
A rough night, and it could have tilted early. Messi escaped a red card for a dangerous challenge on Aïssa Mandi before opening the scoring. French broadcaster RMC called it "carton rouge à 100%", a 100% red card (6). The referee saw it differently. Messi stayed on.
Petkovic: "Messi made the difference"
Vladimir Petkovic did not hide from what happened. "Messi made the difference," he said after the match, analysing the defeat against the defending champions (1). Three goals, three moments. The coach spoke plainly about the gap.
A difficult few days for Messi, then a hat-trick
Messi told reporters afterwards he had been through "difficult days personally" but felt supported by the group (9) (15). Scaloni could barely find words: "What can I say, he is incredible..." (10).
Fan reactions
The mood among Algeria supporters online is deflated but not despondent. Many point to the Mandi incident as the match's turning point, a red card there and the night looks different. Others are simply tipping their cap to Messi on a historic night, even if it came at their expense.
Sources
- 1. ole.com.ar — Qué dijo el técnico de Argelia tras la goleada de Argentina en el Mundial
- 2. bbc.com — Highlights: Messi equals Klose scoring record with hat-trick against Algeria
- 3. fussballnationalmannschaft.net — Fußball WM heute: Argentinien – Algerien 3:0 – Messi mit Dreierpack im 200. Länderspiel
- 4. cbssports.com — Lionel Messi ties record for most career World Cup goals with incredible hat trick for Argentina vs. Algeria
- 6. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — Coupe du monde 2026: "C'est carton rouge à 100%", Lionel Messi a miraculeusement échappé à l'expulsion avant son triplé lors d'Argentine-Algérie
- 9. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — Argentine-Algérie: "J'ai traversé des jours difficiles", l'aveu douloureux de Messi après son incroyable triplé
- 10. ole.com.ar — Scaloni, rendido a Messi: "Qué voy a decir, es increíble..."
- 15. ole.com.ar — Messi: "Pasé unos días difíciles en lo personal, pero estuve contenido por el grupo"