Messi Equals World Cup Scoring Record with Hat-Trick in Argentina’s Opening Win

Lionel Messi netted his maiden World Cup hattrick to become the World Cup's joint highest scorer as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas.

The Argentine talisman scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minute to join Germany's Miroslav Klose on top of the tournament's all-time scoring list with 16 goals.

In his record sixth World Cup appearnce, the 39-year-old Messi also became the youngest and the oldest to score for his country in the tournament having found the net for the first time exactly 20 years ago, on the same ay in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro.

In his 200th international appearance, Messi scored with his trademark left footed shots in between a close-range finish to be the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in five different World Cups (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026).

Three minutes after scoring his hat-trick, Messi was subbed off to shield him from injuries, which has troubled him in the build-up to the tournament.

Player of the Match:Lionel Messi (Argentina)