Lionel Messi live stats today: Updated World Cup goals, highlights from Argentina vs. Algeria

Lionel Messi live stats today: Updated World Cup goals, highlights from Argentina vs. Algeria originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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With four years removed from hoisting the trophy in Lusail, Qatar, Lionel Messi and Argentina have made the trek to North America for the 2026 World Cup. 

Argentina, also known as La Albiceleste, will begin their World Cup trophy defense with their opening group stage match against Algeria at 9 p.m. ET from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Messi and his squad will play in Group J at this year’s World Cup. The group features Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. The “Little Boy From Rosario” will look to lead his national team to their first opening match victory at the World Cup since the 2014 edition in Brazil, when they emerged with a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Sporting News is following Messi’s goals, highlights, and live updates from the Argentina vs. Algeria match tonight. Here is everything you need to know about the eight-time Ballon d’Or and 2022 World Cup winner’s level of play during tonight’s match.

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Argentina vs. Algeria score

Lionel Messi stats today

This section will be updated during the match.

• Minutes: 45
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 0
• Shots: 2
• Shots on target: 1
• Passes: 21
• Pass completion: 84% (21/25)
• Touches: 38
• Dribble completion: 0% (0/2)

Did Lionel Messi score a goal today?

Yes, Messi scored a goal today against Algeria. In the 17th minute, Messi unleashed a left-foot shot that was slotted in the top-right corner.

MESSI SCORES ARGENTINA’S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/JyNwqGCaFU

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

Lionel Messi highlights, updates from Argentina vs. Algeria at World Cup

10:15 p.m. – Just over the 50-minute mark, Messi was dribbling near the top of the box but sailed his left-footed effort over the bar. 

Halftime: Argentina 1-0 Algeria

9:50 p.m. – Despite a rather quiet half for Messi outside of his goal, the star has scored nonetheless. Messi now holds the record for both Argentina’s youngest and oldest goal scorers at the World Cup, an incredible feat.

Does he have enough in the tank for one more, or will he lie back and let his teammates do the talking in the second half?

17′ Messi goal

9:20 p.m. – GOAL FOR MESSI AND ARGENTINA! After an earlier Messi goal was disallowed, the “Little Boy From Rosario” scored his first goal at the 2026 World Cup.

Here is a clip of his absolute screamer that came from his prized left foot.

MESSI SCORES ARGENTINA’S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/JyNwqGCaFU

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

Pregame

8:18 p.m. – Messi and Argentina have taken the pitch for warmups at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Messi has become the first player ever to start in six separate World Cups.

Messi and Argentina are ready to defend their title

(via IG/viviankennellmedia) pic.twitter.com/CySDxN3Psr

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2026

How to watch Messi’s World Cup games

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Argentina World Cup 2026 schedule

DateMatchTime (ET)StadiumTues., June 16Argentina vs. Algeria9 p.m.Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas CityMon., June 22Argentina vs. Austria1 p.m.AT&T Stadium, DallasSat., June 27Argentina vs. Jordan9 p.m.AT&T Stadium, Dallas