Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick as Argentina opened their World Cup title defense with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium.
The 38-year-old became the World Cup’s joint all-time leading scorer after taking his tournament tally to 16 goals, matching Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record. Messi also registered his first World Cup hat-trick while making his 200th appearance for Argentina and becoming the first player to feature in six World Cups.
Argentina took the lead in the 17th minute when Messi curled a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane after being picked out by Rodrigo De Paul. The reigning champions doubled their advantage on the hour mark as Messi capitalised on a goalkeeping error before completing his treble in the 76th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
Algeria proved a stubborn opponent and had a goal disallowed during an entertaining first half in which Argentina also saw an effort ruled out. Messi was fortunate to avoid punishment for a reckless challenge on Aissa Mandi midway through the opening period.
The victory marked the first time Argentina have won their opening World Cup match as defending champions, having previously lost their first games in both 1982 and 1990.
Argentina now sit top of Group J and will continue their campaign against Austria and Jordan as they seek to become only the third nation to successfully retain the World Cup.