Argentina 3-0 Algeria: Lionel Messi hat-trick equals World Cup record
Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick on his 200th international appearance to equal the all-time World Cup goals record as defending champions Argentina swept past Algeria 3-0.
Lionel Messi rolled back the years to equal the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record with a sublime hat-trick as defending champions Argentina launched their title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City.
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The 38-year-old maestro turned his 200th senior international appearance into a historic masterclass, hitting the net in both halves at a packed Arrowhead Stadium to move alongside former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals.
Twenty years to the day after making his tournament debut as a teenager at Germany 2006, Messi took just 17 minutes to stamped his authority on Group J. Picking up a crisp pass from Rodrigo De Paul, the captain turned away from his marker on the edge of the box and curled a majestic, trademark left-footed strike past Luca Zidane.
Algeria, who saw an early Farès Chaïbi effort chalked off for offside during a frantic opening sequence, proved tidy in possession but struggled heavily to translate their build-up play into genuine chances against a disciplined Albiceleste backline. The Fennec Foxes threatened briefly through Anis Hadj Moussa before the interval, but a heavy deflection allowed Emiliano Martinez to gather his low effort with ease.
Lionel Scaloni’s side stepped up the intensity after the break, limiting the African side to deep defending while carving out the clearer opportunities. The pressure finally told on the hour mark when Alexis Mac Allister unleashed a venomous low drive that Zidane could only spill, leaving the ever-alert Messi to ghost into the six-yard box and slot the rebound home with his right foot.
Algeria looked for a tactical lifeline by introducing veteran playmaker Riyad Mahrez from the bench, but any hopes of a late resurgence were comprehensively snuffed out 14 minutes from time. Neat progression down the right flank allowed substitute Nicolás González to drill a low cross into the penalty area, where Messi timed his run perfectly to sweep home a first-time finish and complete the 61st hat-trick of his legendary career.
Messi was substituted to a rapturous standing ovation shortly after sealing his treble, allowing the holders to comfortably see out the final exchanges. While Algeria must now dust themselves down for a pivotal second group game against Jordan, Argentina head to Dallas to face Austria with maximum points and their iconic leader operating at the absolute peak of his powers..
