How Lionel Messi’s World Cup hat‑trick against Algeria impacts Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Lionel Messi delivered a spectacular hat‑trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3‑0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The Barcelona icon opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a long‑range shot that forced Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, to scramble. He doubled his tally in the 60th minute, capitalising on a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister attempt, and completed the hat‑trick in the 76th minute with a clinical low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

The victory places Argentina comfortably at the top of Group J, signalling a strong start to their title‑defending campaign.

While Nigeria is absent from this year’s tournament, Argentina’s win over Algeria carries implications for the Super Eagles’ record books.

Lionel Messi for Argentina Copyright: ImagoxMatthiasxKochx

What Lionel Messi’s World Cup Hat‑trick Against Algeria Means For Super Eagles

Before this match, Nigeria held the record as the African side that had conceded the most goals to Messi, allowing him to score three times against them. With this hat‑trick, Algeria has now overtaken that tally.

Super Eagles. Copyright: ImagoxGrzegorzxWajdax

Messi has now scored five goals against the Fennec Foxes in just two encounters. His first meeting with Algeria was a friendly in June 2007, when the then‑19‑year‑old netted twice in a 4‑3 win for a youthful Albiceleste side.

Adding three more goals on Wednesday, he has surpassed his previous record against Nigeria.

Messi’s three goals against Nigeria were accumulated over four meetings—a tally that could have been higher had it not been for the heroics of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria and Lionel Messi of Argentina. (Photo by Imago)

As Argentina seeks to defend the 2022 title, the Super Eagles’ absence from the 2026 World Cup means it is unlikely that Messi will have the opportunity to add to his tally against Nigeria anytime soon.

Kelvin Omachonu" data-src="">

Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

• Football
• Basketball
• Responsible Gambling
• Odds

Kelvin Omachonu is a sports writer covering Nigeria, with 6 years in sports media and a Reuters Digital Journalism certification. A bettor for 7 years, he specialises in football and basketball odds and responsible gambling, and has used operators including Bet9ja, SportyBet, Betano and 1xBet.