Lionel Messi Scores First World Cup Hat-Trick as Argentina Open Title Defence with Win Over Algeria
Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable World Cup performance on Tuesday night, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his career as Argentina began their title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The 38-year-old forward also matched Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goal record of 16 goals, further strengthening his place among the greatest players in football history.
In another historic milestone, Messi became the first player ever to feature in six FIFA World Cups, once again proving decisive on football’s biggest stage as Lionel Scaloni’s side secured a comfortable win in Kansas City.
Messi shines with another World Cup landmark
After having an early goal ruled out for offside, Messi broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a superb curling strike from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane, despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
The Argentina captain doubled his tally shortly after the hour mark, taking advantage of a defensive error from Zidane before calmly finishing into an empty net.
He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, finishing from close range after being set up by substitute Nico González, drawing level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
The match also marked Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina, coming exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut in Germany.
Speaking after the game, Messi expressed gratitude for the moment and the support around him.
“I feel good. It was important to start with a win in the first game,” he said. “Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus.”
Scaloni hails his captain
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his skipper following another match-winning display.
“I don’t have the words to describe Messi,” Scaloni said. “For 20 years, he’s made us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play.”
Argentina’s opening victory puts them in a strong position in Group B as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.
