Lionel Messi made a dream start to his record sixth FIFA World Cup appearance on Tuesday, scoring a stunning hat-trick as defending champions Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener.
The match, played before a crowd of 69,045 fans at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, saw the 38-year-old captain write another chapter in football history.
Messi, who became the first player ever to feature in six World Cups, marked his 200th international appearance with the first World Cup hat-trick of his career and moved level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the competition’s joint all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.
The Argentine superstar opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a brilliant curling effort, taking his World Cup tally to 14 goals and drawing level with Brazilian legend Ronaldo and French star Kylian Mbappe in the all-time rankings.
He doubled Argentina’s lead just after the hour mark, reacting quickest to convert a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot was parried.
Messi then completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a low finish from the edge of the box, bringing his World Cup total to 16 goals and matching Klose’s long-standing record.
He received a standing ovation from supporters when he was substituted four minutes later.
Argentina, who lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022 after defeating France in a dramatic final, began their title defence in dominant fashion.
Meanwhile, France also enjoyed a winning start, defeating Senegal 3-1. Kylian Mbappe scored twice to become France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud.
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France coach Didier Deschamps praised his captain after the match.
“There are still people who criticise him, but he is an extraordinary player. He can decide games in an instant,” Deschamps said.
Elsewhere, Norway made a successful return to the World Cup with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals, taking his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 appearances.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the occasion was never too big for his star striker.
“You could see he adapted perfectly. I always believed he would deliver for us,” Solbakken said.
World Cup debutants Jordan were scheduled to face Austria later on Tuesday in the other Group J encounter.
