Sports · 19 June 2026

Argentina defeats Algeria 3-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026 opener as Messi equals all-time goal record

Exam-focused facts from the 19 June 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.
  • The match was played at a venue in Kansas City, with more than 70,000 supporters in attendance.
  • Messi scored his 16th World Cup goal, equalling Germany's Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in men's World Cup history.
  • The all-time men's World Cup goal-scoring list now has Lionel Messi (16) and Miroslav Klose (16) tied at the top, followed by Ronaldo Nazario of Brazil (15).
  • Argentina are the defending champions and Messi is playing in his record sixth World Cup campaign at the age of 38.

View this story in the full daily briefing

Earlier coverage selected by topic similarity to help connect developments over time.

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