Lionel Messi Hattrick Powers Argentina Past Algeria in World Cup 2026 Group J - Full Match Analysis | Langit Eastern
Lionel Messi scored a sensational hattrick that put Argentina 3-0 up against Algeria in the 76th minute of their World Cup 2026 Group J clash at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday (June 17). The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 17th minute of the first half, though two other goals were disallowed by referee Szymon Marciniak — one from Messi and another from Algeria's Fares Chaibi. The match was intense from the opening whistle with both teams creating chances in a tightly contested first period.
In the second half, Messi scored his second goal in the 60th minute following a costly error from Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who failed to hold onto a powerful shot from Alexis Mac Allister. The loose ball fell perfectly for Messi, who calmly slotted it into the bottom left corner. Messi had a chance to complete his hattrick in the 66th minute, but his left-footed shot was saved by Zidane. The third goal finally arrived in the 76th minute when Messi converted a precise pass from Nico Gonzalez into the bottom left corner, sealing his hattrick and a dominant 3-0 victory for Argentina. This marked one of the fastest hattricks in World Cup history, completed in just 59 minutes of playing time.
Argentina's midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister completely controlled the tempo of the game, cutting off Algeria's supply lines and dictating possession. Algeria's defensive line of Bensebaini and Mandi struggled to contain Messi's movement as he repeatedly dropped deep to collect the ball and drive forward. Statistical analysis shows Argentina dominated possession with 68 percent and registered 15 shots on target compared to Algeria's 4. The 4-3-3 formation deployed by Argentina's coach proved highly effective, with Lautaro Martinez functioning as a focal point that created space for Messi and Almada to operate from wide positions. Lineups — Argentina: E.Martinez; Montiel, Romero, L.Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro, Almada. Algeria: Zidane; Bensebaini, Mandi, Belghali, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Chaibi, Bentaleb, Maza, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa. This emphatic victory sends a strong message to Group J rivals and reinforces Argentina's status as serious World Cup 2026 contenders.
Saran Link Internal: World Cup 2026 Group Standings and Schedule | Lionel Messi Career Milestones and Records | History of Hattricks in FIFA World Cup