Lionel Messi produced a historic performance, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career and matching the tournament's all-time scoring record as defending champions Argentina cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener.
The Argentine captain opened the scoring within minutes after being set up by his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He added a second goal shortly after halftime before completing his hat-trick late in the match, earning a standing ovation from a crowd overwhelmingly backing Argentina.
The achievement came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also found the net. His three goals took his World Cup career tally to 16, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the tournament's all-time scoring chart.
The victory also ensured a far smoother start to Argentina's title defense than four years ago. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Argentina suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in its opening game before recovering to lift its third world championship.
Despite concerns surrounding a minor hamstring issue in the build-up to the tournament, Messi looked sharp throughout the contest. The 38-year-old, who celebrates his 39th birthday next week, came close to adding even more goals. One effort found the back of the net but was ruled out after a tight offside decision, while another powerful strike in the second half sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
Messi's impact was not limited to the attacking third. He worked tirelessly without the ball and helped Argentina maintain control against an Algerian side that struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Algeria's brightest moment arrived early in the match when Fares Chaibi thought he had given his side the lead. However, a VAR review determined that he was marginally offside, and the goal was disallowed.
Moments later, Messi struck at the other end, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter that quickly became a showcase for the Argentine superstar.
The match at Arrowhead Stadium also carried special significance beyond the action on the field. It fulfilled a long-held vision of the late Lamar Hunt, whose contributions were instrumental in the development of soccer in the United States from the 1960s through the early 2000s. Hunt not only founded the NFL franchise that calls the stadium home but also played a major role in promoting the sport nationwide.
Among the notable spectators enjoying the ideal conditions in Kansas City were Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany. Mahomes traded his familiar red-and-gold football attire for a blue sweatsuit and white shirt as he watched the World Cup action from the stands.
Argentina will continue its quest for consecutive World Cup titles when it travels to Arlington, Texas, to face Austria on Monday. The South American giants will then conclude their group-stage campaign against Jordan on June 27.
Algeria, meanwhile, will look to recover when it takes on Jordan in Santa Clara, California, on Monday before returning to Kansas City for its final Group J match against Austria on June 27.
Follow us
