Argentine captain nets three goals in dominant performance at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

HILADELPHIA, June 17, 2026 — Lionel Messi scored three goals as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in a Group Stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday evening.

Messi opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a left-footed strike from outside the penalty area. He added a second goal just before halftime from a penalty kick awarded after a foul inside the box. His third goal came in the 67th minute, finishing a counter-attack that began in Argentina’s defensive third. Algeria managed several scoring opportunities but failed to convert, leaving them with zero points from the match.

The game was played in front of 68,450 spectators at Lincoln Financial Field under clear evening conditions. Temperatures reached 78 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff. Argentina controlled 62 percent of possession and completed 487 passes compared to Algeria’s 311. Messi was named Man of the Match by FIFA’s technical observers.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised the team’s execution after the final whistle. “We played with structure and Messi was decisive in the final third,” Scaloni said. Algerian coach Madjid Bougherra acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses. “We gave away too much space in transition. Against a player like Messi, those mistakes are punished immediately,” Bougherra told reporters.

Messi has now scored five goals in three appearances during the 2026 World Cup. Argentina sits atop Group C with seven points. Algeria remains winless and will face Croatia in their next match on June 21.