Argentina Player Ratings vs Algeria: Messi Matches World Cup Scoring Record with Stunning Hat Trick

Messi’s Historic Night Powers Argentina Past Algeria

The defending champions had a shaky start in their World Cup opener against Algeria, but Lionel Messi quickly took control. The 38-year-old dazzled the crowd of 69,045 at Kansas City Stadium by scoring all three goals in a 3-0 victory. This hat trick brought Messi level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, though Klose reached that mark in fewer matches.

Nervy Opening, Then Messi’s Magic

Argentina’s first 15 minutes were tense. Messi actually found the net early, but it was ruled offside after a poorly timed pass from Lautaro Martínez. Algeria nearly struck back swiftly when Farès Chaïbi broke free and scored, only for VAR to rule him offside too. Both teams tested each other without success until Messi made his move.

Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, delivered a precise through ball splitting two defenders. Messi controlled it perfectly and fired into the top-right corner, giving Argentina the lead. That goal marked Messi’s fifth World Cup tournament with a goal and his 911th career goal for club and country.

“It’s hard to explain. We’re amazed with him still, though we get to see him every day,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.

Algeria’s manager Vladimir Petković acknowledged Messi’s brilliance despite his team’s performance: “Class is permanent. He’s not any old footballer. He’s got eight Ballon d’Ors.”

Second Half Seals the Victory

Messi continued to dominate after halftime. When Alexis Mac Allister’s long-range shot was blocked, Messi pounced on the rebound. Later, a slick pass from Nicolás González inside the box allowed Messi to finish with his left foot, completing his first World Cup hat trick. Algeria matched Argentina in possession but failed to register a single shot on target.

Player Ratings from Kansas City Stadium

• Emiliano Martinez (7/10): Calm under pressure and excellent with distribution, including a long pass that led to Messi’s second goal.
• Facundo Medina (7/10): Kept Algeria’s wingers in check; focused on defense rather than attack.
• Cristian Romero (7/10): Solid defensive presence as Algeria never threatened with shots on target.
• Lisandro Martinez (8/10): Defensive rock with four clearances, two tackles, and an interception.
• Gonzalo Montiel (7/10): Strong in the first half before being subbed at halftime.

• Rodrigo De Paul (8/10): Showed grit and creativity, providing the assist for Messi’s opener.
• Enzo Fernandez (7/10): Efficient passing helped keep Argentina’s rhythm steady.
• Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): His audacious strike set up Messi’s second goal; contributed on both ends.
• Thiago Almada (6/10): Provided pace and width but limited impact otherwise.

• Lionel Messi (10/10): A masterclass performance. Matched Klose’s World Cup goal record and now just one goal away from holding it outright. Also close to breaking Maradona’s assist record. History is unfolding before our eyes.
• Lautaro Martínez (5/10): Struggled to find form during his 55 minutes, often hesitating between passing and shooting.

• Julian Alvarez (5/10): Still recovering from injury, had minimal influence.
• Nicolás González (7/10): Immediate impact off the bench, assisting Messi’s third goal.
• Nicolás Otamendi (6/10): Came on for defensive cover, did his job.
• Nico Paz (6/10): Provided fresh legs without standing out.
• Nahuel Molina (6/10): Replaced Montiel but didn’t contribute significantly.
• Lionel Scaloni (8/10): Made good substitutions and helped calm the team after a nervous start. Messi carried the show, but Scaloni’s decisions kept Argentina composed.