--- title: "Messi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup" description: "Lionel Messi’s three-goal masterclass lifts Argentina past Algeria in emphatic World Cup opener, setting the tone for title defense." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/messi-hat-trick-fires-holders-argentina-to-win-over-algeria-6914aa85 published: 2026-07-01T23:16:17.591+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T23:16:17.591+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Messi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup > Lionel Messi’s three-goal masterclass lifts Argentina past Algeria in emphatic World Cup opener, setting the tone for title defense. Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance with a first-half hat-trick to propel Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their 2026 World Cup title defense opener. The match, played in Los Angeles, saw Messi strike in the 12th, 22nd, and 35th minutes, dismantling Algeria’s defense with clinical precision. Argentina dominated possession, registering 68% in the opening 45 minutes, and created 18 shots on goal. Algeria struggled to contain Argentina’s attacking trio, with Messi combining effectively with Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández. The hosts’ midfield control stifled Algeria’s counterattacks, limiting them to just two shots on target in the entire match. Algeria’s lone bright spot came from Baghdad Bounedjah, whose header in the 67th minute rattled the crossbar. The win marks Argentina’s fifth consecutive World Cup match without defeat and extends their unbeaten streak to 31 games. Messi, now with 101 international goals, further cements his legacy as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers and finals combined. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised the team’s intensity, calling it a "perfect start" to the campaign. This victory also underscores Argentina’s tactical flexibility under Scaloni. The team has shifted from a purely attacking system to a more balanced approach, integrating deeper-lying playmakers like Enzo Fernández to control tempo. Messi’s deeper role allows younger forwards like Álvarez to exploit space, a dynamic that bodes well for high-pressure knockout matches. The psychological edge cannot be overstated. Algeria entered the match as a spirited underdog, but Argentina’s ruthless efficiency sent a clear warning to rivals. The scoreline flattens Algeria’s momentum, forcing them to chase the game—something few teams manage against this Argentina side. The psychological dominance is as critical as the tactical one. Argentina’s defensive solidity was another standout. Despite Algeria’s attempts to press higher in the second half, Argentina’s backline, marshaled by Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Otamendi, maintained composure. The duo completed 94% of their passes under pressure, a stat that highlights their ability to retain possession even in advanced areas—a hallmark of Scaloni’s system. The match also exposed Algeria’s structural flaws. Their high defensive line left gaps behind the full-backs, which Messi and Álvarez exploited repeatedly. Algeria’s midfield, led by Ramiz Zerrouki, struggled to transition quickly enough, allowing Argentina to dominate transitions. This tactical mismatch suggests Algeria may need to rethink their approach against faster, more technical opponents. What’s next: Argentina faces a sterner test against a resurgent Netherlands side in their final group-stage match on June 29, a clash that could determine top seeding in the knockout rounds. ## Why this matters Argentina’s emphatic win sets the tone for their title defense and reaffirms Messi’s status as the game’s ultimate big-game performer. The victory not only boosts morale but also sends a message to rivals that the champions remain a force to be reckoned with. With Messi aging into a deeper playmaker role, this performance underscores Argentina’s tactical evolution while maintaining their attacking firepower. The psychological dominance displayed against Algeria suggests Argentina is not just defending a title—they’re imposing their will on the tournament before it truly begins. The defensive resilience and midfield control shown here indicate this Argentina side is more than just a one-man show; it’s a complete unit ready to face the world’s best. ## Frequently asked ### How many goals has Messi scored in World Cup finals and qualifiers combined? As of this match, Lionel Messi has scored 101 international goals, combining World Cup finals and qualifiers. His hat-trick against Algeria further solidified his record as the all-time leading scorer in these competitions. ### What was Argentina’s possession percentage in the first half? Argentina controlled 68% of possession in the opening 45 minutes against Algeria, dominating the game from the outset and limiting Algeria to minimal attacking opportunities. ### Who scored the goals for Argentina in the match? Lionel Messi scored all three goals for Argentina, netting in the 12th, 22nd, and 35th minutes to secure the 3-0 victory. Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández provided key assists. ### When is Argentina’s next match in the tournament? Argentina’s next match is against Netherlands on June 29 in the group stage. The result will determine top seeding in the knockout rounds and could set up a potential early clash with a top European side. ### How many consecutive matches has Argentina gone unbeaten in the World Cup? Argentina has now gone 31 matches without defeat in World Cup competition, including qualifiers and finals. Their last loss came in the 2018 World Cup group stage against Croatia. ### What tactical shift has Scaloni implemented under his management? Scaloni has moved Argentina toward a more balanced system, integrating deeper-lying playmakers like Enzo Fernández to control tempo. Messi’s deeper role allows forwards like Julián Álvarez to exploit space, creating a flexible structure that adapts to opponents. ## Sources & Citations - [Messi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup - Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/6/17/messi-fires-argentina-to-win-against-algeria-in-world-cup-defence-opener) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-17) --- Cite: Messi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/messi-hat-trick-fires-holders-argentina-to-win-over-algeria-6914aa85