Lionel Messi produced a historic performance as reigning champions Argentina launched their World Cup title defence with an emphatic victory over Algeria, with the veteran forward becoming the competition’s joint all-time leading scorer.
Making his 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career to guide the South Americans to a statement win at the Kansas City Stadium.
The 38-year-old also reached another remarkable milestone, taking his World Cup finals tally to 16 goals and drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
Argentina, who are seeking to become only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, were forced to work hard for the victory despite eventually emerging comfortable winners.
The result marked a significant achievement for the three-time world champions, who secured their first opening-match victory at a World Cup as defending champions after suffering defeats in both 1982 and 1990.
Messi opened the scoring in spectacular fashion in the 17th minute, collecting a pass from his Inter Miami team-mate Rodrigo De Paul before curling a superb effort beyond Luca Zidane, son of France great Zinedine Zidane.
The goal came after a frantic opening period in which Messi had already seen an earlier effort ruled out, while Algeria also had a goal disallowed just three minutes later.
On a night that saw him become the first player in history to feature at six World Cups, Messi was fortunate to avoid punishment following a reckless challenge on Algeria defender Aissa Mandi midway through the first half.
Argentina doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Messi capitalised on an error by Zidane to score from close range.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then completed his historic hat-trick in the 76th minute, driving home a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area after winning possession from Nicolas Gonzalez.
The victory gives Argentina the perfect start in Group J as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles. They will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures against Austria and Jordan.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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