Lionel Messi, the star of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, demonstrated his continued skill in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria. The 38-year-old Messi scored a hat-trick, securing a 3-0 win for the defending champions. He was solely responsible for all the goals in the match. This performance highlights Messi’s enduring impact on the international stage, four years after his previous World Cup triumph. The game marked the beginning of Argentina’s campaign to defend their title. Messi’s hat-trick was a significant moment in the match and a strong statement of intent from Argentina.