Lionel Messi's greatness shines with World Cup hat trick against Algeria

Lionel Messi continues to amusement wherefore he’s the champion shot subordinate successful the world.

The Argentine prima led his squad to a 3-0 triumph against Algeria successful their archetypal group-stage lucifer astatine the 2026 FIFA World Cup connected Tuesday night. He delivered each 3 goals for his side, picking up the archetypal World Cup chapeau instrumentality of his career.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts aft scoring his 3rd extremity during the World Cup Group J lucifer against Algeria successful Kansas City, Mo., connected June 16, 2026. (Ed Zurga/AP Photo)

The 3 goals moved him into a necktie with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the vocation scoring grounds astatine the World Cup. He broke down successful tears aft scoring his archetypal goal.

"My tears aft the archetypal goal? I’ve had immoderate pugnacious days. It wasn’t related to football. And those feelings were due to the fact that of that," Messi said aft the match, without providing details. "I convey my teammates, the coaching unit and the delegation for helping me."

Messi had been battling done a hamstring injury, which has plagued him for Inter Miami during the Major League Soccer season.

However, helium seemed good successful a affable against Iceland starring up to the World Cup.

Argentina's Lionel Messi smiles during the World Cup Group J shot lucifer against Algeria successful Kansas City, Mo., connected June 16, 2026. (Ed Zurga/AP)

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

"This is my sixth World Cup, and I inactive consciousness similar I’m successful bully shape," Messi said. "Fortunately, I’m doing well, and contiguous we managed to triumph a pugnacious match. It’s important to commencement the tourney with a triumph successful the archetypal game, arsenic that’s ne'er casual successful a World Cup."

Messi’s heroics connected the transportation drew a absorption from different superstar jock – Kansas City Chiefs backmost Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes posted a fewer goat emojis during Messi’s performance.

Messi is successful his sixth World Cup, marking 2 decades of dominance connected the field. He led Argentina to a World Cup rubric successful 2022.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates aft scoring his team's 2nd extremity during the World Cup Group J lucifer against Algeria successful Kansas City, Mo., connected June 16, 2026. (Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"It makes maine precise blessed to person lived done everything that came my way. What I’m surviving done present is the cherry connected top," Messi said. "I’m precise blessed and grateful for this fantastic group. I bask it truthful much."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.