Full Breakdown
Messi’s Hat-Trick Ties Klose Record as Argentina Opens 2026 World Cup
6/21/2026, 8:54:47 PM
Record-Setting Hat-Trick
Argentina opened the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City’s GEHA Field. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, tying Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal record and becoming the oldest (38) player to net three in a match. The feat marked his 200th cap and sixth World Cup appearance.
Messi’s World Cup Journey
Messi appeared at the 2006 World Cup, scoring against Serbia and Montenegro. Twenty years later he became the second player, after Klose, to score in five tournaments and joined a group that has featured in six World Cups. Concerns focused on a muscle-fatigue issue with Inter Miami.
Official Reactions
Messi downplayed the statistics as “just numbers” and stressed success. Coach Lionel Scaloni called his influence “spectacular” and key to Argentina’s identity. Assistant Pablo Aimar warned Austria would be a physical test. Rodrigo De Paul said Messi pushes the group forward, and Alexis Mac Allister called him the important player.
Opposition & Controversy
Algeria filed a formal protest with FIFA, claiming Messi should have been expelled for stepping on captain Aissa Mandi’s calf during the match, raising questions about possible disciplinary action.
Fan Atmosphere
Thousands of Kansas City fans filled the stadium in #10 jerseys; a goat in an Argentina shirt appeared on a watch-party stage with former NFL star Jameis Winston. Messi was seen in tears after his opening goal.
Golden Boot Outlook
Messi’s three goals place him atop the early scoring chart, but rivals Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane each opened with two. Analysts stress that a deep tournament run is essential for the Golden Boot, and Messi’s age (38, turning 39) adds uncertainty.
Upcoming Group Fixture
Argentina meets Austria on Monday at Dallas Stadium, Texas, 12 p.m. local time. Austria captain David Alaba stressed his side’s quality beyond Messi, while assistant Pablo Aimar called the Europeans “very tough.” Opta projects a 60.1 % win chance for Argentina, 22.4 % draw and 17.6 % upset.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Messi’s age, citing 38 and “turning 39.” One report says Messi and Klose share 17 World Cup victories, contradicting FIFA’s record of 16 goals for Klose. The result of Algeria’s protest is still pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and [Brazil's] Ronaldo, who is there also. But it doesn't mean anything,” — Lionel Messi, Argentina captain
- “It was something completely unrelated to football," Messi said after the match.” — Lionel Messi
- “We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they’re capable of as a team,” — David Alaba, Austria captain
- “What Leo transmits is spectacular, it is hard to explain,” — Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach
