The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which saw Argentina defeat Algeria 3-0, took place in a venue whose very existence and the broader commercialization of soccer in the U.S. represent decades of strategic capital investment by the Hunt family, securing private profit from a global spectacle. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick and tied the men’s World Cup career scoring record in the Group J opener Tuesday night in Kansas City, Mo.
Messi scored in the opening minutes on a feed from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, added a second goal off a rebound early in the second half, and completed the hat trick on a strike from the top of the penalty box. He then left to a standing ovation from a heavily pro-Argentina crowd. These three goals brought Messi's World Cup career total to 16, tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the tournament’s all-time scoring record. Messi also became only the second player to score in five World Cups, joining Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. The match marked Messi’s record-setting sixth World Cup appearance and his 200th international appearance, a career that began in 2005 at age 18.
Capital's Long Game
The game was played at Arrowhead Stadium, a venue that fulfilled the longtime dream of the late Lamar Hunt. Hunt founded the NFL franchise that plays there and was instrumental in the growth of soccer in the U.S. from the 1960s through the early 2000s. He played a significant role in the U.S. hosting the 1994 World Cup, and his sons, Clark and Dan, are continuing this legacy of capital accumulation through sports events with this current edition. Among those in the crowd were Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, further highlighting the concentration of wealth and celebrity around such commercial spectacles.
The Collective Behind the Star
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic commented on Messi's performance, stating, “Class is permanent. He’s fortunate to have the privilege that the entire Argentina team works for him, and supports him, and for a number of years now — decades — he’s done incredible things.” This observation underscores the collective labor and support structure that underpins individual athletic achievements within the professional sports industry. Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s an advantage to have Leo because of how he handles the group and pushes it forward. Because of who he is. He doesn’t care about individual records. He prioritizes the group, and for us it’s incredible.”
Messi himself acknowledged the collective effort, stating, “I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.” He also reflected on personal challenges, saying, “My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to football. And those feelings were because of that.” He added, “I like playing soccer. It’s been my passion since I was little. When I’m in good shape, I give it my all.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni noted the challenges of the opening match, stating, “The first match is always tricky. We had stumbled in the last World Cup and we needed to have a good debut today.” Algeria star Riyad Mahrez acknowledged, “Argentina have a special player who can change a game on his own.” Messi's first goal on Tuesday came on the 20th anniversary of his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also scored. He nearly added two more goals against Algeria, with one effort ruled offside and another just clearing the crossbar. Argentina controlled the match defensively, with Algeria's best chance, a would-be goal by Fares Chaibi, taken away by a VAR review that showed he was offside.
Argentina will continue its pursuit of back-to-back titles in Arlington, Texas, playing Austria on Monday and Jordan on June 27. Algeria plays Jordan on Monday in Santa Clara, California, before facing Austria in its Group J finale on June 27 in Kansas City.