World Cup 2026 scores, live updates: Messi nets hat trick for Argentina; Norway rolls; Mbappé lifts France

Lionel Messi is one goal away from World Cup history.

The Argentina captain scored the first World Cup hat trick of his career Tuesday night, leading the defending champions to a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. Messi scored in the 17th minute, added another after halftime and completed his hat trick late in the match before exiting to a standing ovation in the 80th minute.

Messi is now tied with Miroslav Klose for most World Cup goals all time with 16. He’ll get a chance to top the list Monday vs. Austria.

Lionel Messi’s night came to an end in the 80th minute, with Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni giving his captain a well-earned rest after his hat trick put the defending champions firmly in control.

Messi left the field to a standing ovation from the Argentina-heavy crowd at Kansas City Stadium, after with one of the most memorable performances of the tournament so far.

Messi has his hat trick! Just minutes after he was denied a penalty kick, Messi curls another left-footed shot past Luca Zidane.

It’s an all-time performance by a man who can be considered the greatest soccer player ever.

Luca Zidane made a heck of a save.

Seconds after Mahrez entered the game, Messi had space in the middle of the field again and forced a fantastic save from Zidane.

The former Leicester City and Manchester City star is subbed on in the 64th minute as part of three changes for Algeria. Mahrez replaces Anis Hadj Moussa.

He read the rebound off that Alexis Mac Allister shot perfectly.

And there’s Lionel Messi’s second goal of the game! He was in the right spot to catch a rebound off a Luca Zidane save to double Argentina’s lead.

Lautaro Martinez had a great chance at goal, but his shot was parried away by Luca Zidane. Not long after that, Martinez makes way for Julian Alvarez.

Nicolas Otamendi also enters the game for Thiago Almada.

Gonzalo Montiel came off for Nahuel Molina.

Can Algeria find an equalizer?

Algeria looked a lot more promising at the end of the first half as it strung a few decent attacking chances together before a header by Alexis Mac Allister flew way over the goal to end the half.

The Algerians pressed Argentina goalie Emi Martinez into action when he had to punch away a shot from Fares Chaibi at the near post. But after the ensuing corner, the ball ended up going harmlessly going out of play for a goal kick.

After a foul well, well outside the box, Lionel Messi got a little audacious and tried to have a run at goal in the 37th minute. His shot was not that close to the goal.

The Algerians have not threatened Argentina keeper Emi Martinez since the goal ruled out for offside.

Lionel Messi’s goal was over five minutes ago, but that has not stopped Argentina fans from celebrating and singing.

And there’s the moment that nearly the entire stadium in Kansas City was waiting for. Lionel Messi sprinted through the middle of the Algerian defense and hit a gorgeous shot to the top right corner for a 1-0 Argentina lead.