Record-equalling Messi inspires Argentina, scores hat-trick against Algeria
Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their Group J 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old opened the scoring for Argentina in the 17th minute when he fired home from yards outside the 18-yard box. Messi then escaped a red card exactly on the half-hour mark following a ‘nasty’ tackle on Aissa Mandi.
Messi doubled the lead for Argentina in the 60th minute, tapping home a spilt ball by goalkeeper Luca Zidane before netting his third in the 76th minute from an effort at the edge of the box.
The hat-trick saw the Inter Miami forward climb to the top of the FIFA World Cup’s all-time scoring chart with 16 goals, equalling the record previously held outright by Miroslav Klose.
Reacting to his latest achievement, Messi stated that he was honoured to be named among some of the great players in football history. Regarding his sixth World Cup tournament, Messi said, “It is a great honour to be able to compete with all these greats, including Ronaldo Nazario, among the players I have watched. He was one of the greatest players of all time.”
Messi added, “This is my sixth World Cup, and I still feel like I’m in good shape. Fortunately, I’m doing well, and we managed to win a tough match. It’s important to start the tournament with a victory in the first game, as that’s never easy in a World Cup.
“Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams — or even more than I ever dreamed of achieving — both professionally and personally. Now I’m just enjoying this, being part of a wonderful group, feeling good and being able to enjoy it out on the pitch. This is far more than I could ever have imagined when I was a kid.”
Meanwhile, Austria beat debutants Jordan 3-1 in the second Group J match at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
Goals by Romano Schmid, Yazan Abu Al-Arab (own goal) and Marko Arnautovic from the penalty spot ensured that Austria secured the three points.
Ali Iyad Olwan scored Jordan’s only goal in the match.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 5
NILDS seeks stronger role for women in governance
According to the DG, democracy in Nigeria has come to stay and requires collective commitment.
Lagos
Lagos recruits 45 personnel to boost enforcement on Lekki-Epe corridor
Mr Osiyemi noted that the corridor had staffing challenges that slowed down operations.
Heading 2
Education minister inaugurates Nigeria’s first robotic surgery academy
Mr Alausa said the initiative would expand advanced medical training.
Health
Pate warns politicians against politicising Ebola case
Mr Pate said health is a unifying issue that transcends political, ethnic and religious affiliations.
Economy
Tinubu’s economic reforms paving way for prosperity: Minister
The minister explained that the reforms were deliberate and courageous, aimed at addressing longstanding structural weaknesses.
Health
Kaduna expands last-mile health supply project to 1,000 facilities
Ms Isyaku said four zonal warehouses in Ikara, Sabon Gari, Zaria and Kafanchan, established under the project, were operational.
