Messi hat-trick equals men's World Cup goals record as Argentina open with 3-0 win over Algeria
Lionel Messi scored a superb treble to draw level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals, powering holders Argentina past Algeria 3-0 on Tuesday and banishing any fitness doubts.
A record night in Kansas City
Argentina began their World Cup title defence in emphatic fashion as captain Lionel Messi struck three times at Arrowhead Stadium. The 38-year-old drew level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history, a record that had stood since 2014. Messi also earned his 200th international cap, became the first man to appear at six World Cups, and registered the oldest hat-trick in tournament history, exactly 20 years to the day since his first goal on the global stage.
- Messi opens the scoring with a 25-yard rocket past Luca Zidane.
- Zidane spills a shot and Messi taps in his second from close range.
- Substitute Nico González sets up Messi to complete the hat-trick with a blistering strike.
Coaches react to a vintage display
Argentina's Lionel Scaloni said he was no longer surprised by his captain's feats.
Algeria's Vladimir Petkovic acknowledged his side made it too easy.I'm no longer surprised by the inexplicable things he does. The hat-trick, the records — it's just another night for Leo.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who set up the opener, said the forward's focus was always on collective success.Class is permanent, because we're not talking about any old player here. Unfortunately, we also afforded him an opportunity with the first and second goal, and we made it easier for him.
He doesn't pay attention to individual records. He prioritises the team, and for us that's incredible.
A broader superstar day
Messi's hat-trick headlined a day when football's biggest names all delivered. In Group I, Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1, while Erling Haaland also grabbed a brace in Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq. Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in Group J's other match, leaving Argentina top after the first round.
Fitness doubts dismissed
Arriving under a minor cloud after a muscle strain, Messi looked lean and lively throughout. He set the tone early with a second-minute tackle, had an early effort ruled offside, and then opened the scoring in the 17th minute by driving forward and blasting past goalkeeper Luca Zidane. After the Algerian keeper spilled a shot, Messi tapped in his second on the hour mark, and he completed the hat-trick with a fierce drive teed up by substitute Nico González in the 76th minute.
What comes next
Argentina face Austria in Arlington, Texas on June 22, wary of the kind of stumble that marred their 2018 and 2022 openers. Scaloni warned that anyone can win in this tournament. Algeria play Jordan the same day and meet Austria five days later, needing to regroup quickly.
