In the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Algeria, Argentina's superstar Lionel Messi registered his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to help his team register a 3-0 win at the Kansas City Stadium in Missouri (Pic: File Pic)

Following Argentina's victory in the campaign-opening match, the football fans in Kolkata erupted in joy (Pic: PTI)

Several fans gathered to watch the live screening of their sporting idol's heroics against Algeria (Pic: PTI)

A few fans also performed a 'pooja' for Argentina's success in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 (Pic: PTI)

From teenage to adult, this beautiful sport brings people together and makes them cheer, celebrate and enjoy the victory of their favourite team (Pic: PTI)

The clash marked Messi's 200th international appearance for Argentina. It was also his 27th FIFA World Cup appearance, which is more than any other player in the tournament's history (Pic: PTI)

The 38-year-old Messi also became the first player to feature in six consecutive FIFA World Cups. Riding on his first-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick, Messi became the tournament's joint-highest goalscorer. Currently, he is sharing the top spot with Germany's Miroslav Klose, who has 16 goals to his name (Pic: PTI)

A certain group of fans also participated in a bike rally, donning the Argentina national football team's jerseys (Pic: PTI)

No wonder why football is played and celebrated the most in Kolkata. The city, also known as the "Mecca of Indian Football", has several stories related to the sport (Pic: PTI)

Argentina will now gear up to lock horns with Austria in its upcoming fixture. The match is scheduled to be played on June 22 at the Dallas Stadium in Texas (Pic: File Pic)