Lionel Messi opened his FIFA World Cup 2026 with a masterclass. The Inter Miami CF forward hit a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. It was a night of clean finishing, tidy passing and sensible risk. Sofascore gave him a perfect Sofascore Rating 10, a fair reflection of a performance that mixed end product with control. The crowd of 69,045 got exactly what they came for.
Hat-trick in Kansas City
Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, and Messi supplied all three goals. He played 80 minutes, took 6 shots and put 4 on target. His goal conversion rate landed at 50 percent, a sharp return in a World Cup opener. The finishing variety stood out too, with 2 goals on his left foot and 1 on his right. He scored twice from inside the box and once from outside, showing range rather than repetition.
He managed 57 touches, staying involved without forcing the game. There was one offside and one big chance missed, reminders that even a dominant display has small blemishes. Still, the overall balance tilted heavily toward impact. On Sofascore, that impact registered as a Sofascore Rating 10, the highest mark possible. It set the tone for Argentina’s Group J campaign.