Argentina begun their World Cup defence in style after a comfortable 3-0 opening victory against Algeria was secured with an historic hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi in Group J.
The 38-year-old inspired the South American outfit in Kansas City with a trio of goals as the man who will be involved in his sixth World Cup – an all-time record – scored the first hat-trick of his World Cup career while he equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals in the competition.
The Argentina captain got his first goal after 17 minutes, cancelling out an earlier disallowed goal for offside. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner produced a masterful finish after finding Rodrigo De Paul on a pass, before a powerful strike flew into the top corner.
Algeria had their moments but couldn’t live with the quality of the Argentine attack and Messi struck again just after the hour, pouncing first after goalkeeper Luca Zidane failed to gather Alexis Mac Allister’s initial shot into his path.
The all-time greats got his third goal and fourth of the night in the 76th minute, rounding off a brilliant performance with his signature curling shot after exchanging passes with Nico Gonzalez in a typical one-two.
This was a statement of intent from an Argentina side who are aiming to hold on to their title and, with so many from the squad that claimed glory in 2022 still involved, Lionel Scaloni’s side sent out a clear warning shot.
