Messi’s New African Record: Algeria Overtake Nigeria as His Favorite Victims

 Messi’s New African Record: Algeria Overtake Nigeria as His Favorite Victims

Lionel Messi has added another remarkable milestone to his legendary career, this time at the expense of Algeria.

The Argentine superstar produced a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making the North African nation the African team he has scored against the most in his career. With that treble, Algeria moved ahead of Nigeria on Messi’s list of favorite African opponents.

For years, Nigeria held the unwanted record after repeatedly facing Messi on the international stage, particularly at FIFA World Cups. The Argentine captain consistently found the back of the net against the Super Eagles, earning a reputation as one of Nigeria’s toughest opponents.

However, his latest masterclass against Algeria has rewritten the record books. The hat-trick not only helped Argentina secure an important World Cup victory but also highlighted Messi’s enduring brilliance on football’s biggest stage.

Even at this stage of his career, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to break records and deliver unforgettable performances. For Algeria, it was a night to forget, while for Messi and Argentina, it was yet another chapter in an extraordinary football story.

 Records fall, legends endure—and Lionel Messi keeps proving why he remains one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.