Messi Scores Maiden World Cup Hat-Trick as Argentina Rout Algeria 3-0 in Title-Defense Opener

FIFA · 1w ago

Lionel Messi notched the first World Cup hat-trick of his career, scoring in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes as defending champions Argentina cruised past Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City to open their Group J campaign. The treble ties Messi with Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history and came in his 200th appearance for Argentina. The result reinforces the holders as a top threat to repeat as champions.