New Delhi, June 17 -- Argentina forward Lionel Messi enjoyed a memorable outing in his team's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday, scoring a remarkable hat-trick to seal a 3-0 win.

Argentina are looking to become only the third team to defend the FIFA World Cup title, after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). Lionel Messi finally realised his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup four years ago in Qatar, when Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in the final.

Four years on from that, the 38-year-old seems to be in no mood to slow down as he aims to help the Albiceleste defend their World Cup title. The Inter Miami and former Barcelona star set several records during Argentina's 3-0 win over...