/ Jun 19, 2026
/ Jun 19, 2026

Argentina beat Algeria as Messi scores hat-trick to equal Klose World Cup record

Published on

By

Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick as defending champions defeated Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

The 38-year-old forward struck in the 17th minute with a trademark left-footed effort from distance, giving Argentina early control of the match at Arrowhead Stadium.

Messi doubled the lead in the 60th minute after finishing from inside the penalty area, before completing his treble 16 minutes later with a precise strike from the edge of the box. He was substituted in the 79th minute to a standing ovation as Argentina managed the closing stages comfortably.

The goals took Messi’s World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring chart in World Cup history.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Erling Haaland also made an impact on his World Cup debut, scoring twice as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I fixture.

FIFA World Cup action continues as teams push for early qualification momentum in the group stage.

You May Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

Must Read

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo addressing police officers during a security briefing in Benin City after a parade of suspected criminals.

Edo governor Okpebholo threatens death warrants for criminals, swift trials

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has threatened to sign death warrants for convicted criminals as part of a tougher security stance in the state.   The governor made the statement on Thursday during a parade of suspects at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, according to Channels Television. He said a special court would be established to fast-track the prosecution of kidnappers and cultists, insisting that trials would be concluded within two weeks. “We are going to set up a special court to prosecute kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, the court is done with proceedings. I will sign your execution,” he said during the briefing. Okpebholo also claimed that any confirmed offenders would not be spared, adding that security operations were ongoing to track down remaining members of kidnapping gangs. Police authorities confirmed that one suspect linked to a recent kidnapping incident at a vegetable market had been arrested, while another was killed during an operation. Two suspects remain at large. The governor also rewarded police operatives with ₦10 million for their role in the arrest. Items recovered from the suspect reportedly include a firearm, ammunition, a motorcycle, a Lexus RX 350 vehicle, and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime. The Edo State Police Commissioner said investigations were continuing and assured that efforts were being intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects. He also urged residents to provide timely intelligence to security agencies. Okpebholo further stated that security funding from the federal government was supporting ongoing operations, while urging residents to avoid criminal activity and live within lawful means.
Read more

Editor's Pick

Trending News

Newsletter

Enter your email address and receive notifications of news by email.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

© 2026 GongNews. All Rights Reserved.