Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable World Cup performance on Tuesday, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career as Argentina opened their title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria.
The 38-year-old forward also equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, further pitching him among football’s greatest players.
Making history as the first footballer to feature in six FIFA World Cups, Messi once again proved decisive on the biggest stage, inspiring Lionel Scaloni’s side to a comfortable win in Kansas City.
Messi reaches another World Cup landmark
After an early goal was ruled out for offside, Messi broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a powerful curling strike from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane despite getting both hands to the effort.
The Argentina captain doubled his tally shortly after the hour mark, capitalising on a costly error from Zidane before calmly finishing into an empty net.
Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute when he converted from close range after being set up by substitute Nico Gonzalez, drawing level with former Germany striker Klose at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
The performance came on Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina and exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut in Germany.
Speaking after the match, Messi said he was grateful to share the moment with his family, teammates and supporters.
“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 inspirational captain
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was full of praise for his captain after another match-winning display.
“I don’t have the words to describe Messi,” Scaloni said. “For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this and he inspires everyone who watches him play.”
Argentina’s victory puts them in a strong position in Group B as they continue their quest to retain the World Cup crown.
