The top photos of the day by AP photojournalists

Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Tags

As featured on

World Cup hat tricks: Messi’s was the latest, an American scored the first and other key facts

World Cup hat tricks: Messi’s was the latest, an American scored the first and other key facts

At age 38 and playing in his sixth World Cup, Lionel Messi has his first hat trick in soccer’s biggest tournament and Argentina’s defense of the trophy is off to a flying start. Messi’s three goals in the 3-0 win against Algeria on Tuesday saw him become the joint highest scorer in men's World Cup history alongside Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 in total. It was also the first hat trick of this year’s tournament and the 55th in World Cup history. Here's what to know about hat tricks.