World Cup
Lionel Messi scores hat‑trick as Argentina defeat Algeria 3‑0
Lionel Messi delivered a hat‑trick as Argentina opened their World Cup campaign with a 3‑0 victory over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Wednesday night, the 38‑year‑old scoring in the 17th, 55th and 75th minutes to secure the top spot in Group J.
The match began for Dutch audiences at 03:00 am, while the Netherlands' base camp was stationed in Kansas City. Argentina and Algeria opened Group J with the first fixture of the tournament.
Algeria's manager selected Anis Hadj Moussa to start, leaving Riyad Mahrez on the bench. Midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki was also named as a substitute.
Lionel Messi, deployed as a right winger, opened the scoring in the 17th minute. He fired a left‑footed shot from just outside the 16‑metre area into the top corner.
The second goal came shortly after the hour mark when Messi received the ball on the left side and placed it into the lower corner. After his attempt was blocked by Luca Zidane in the 65th minute, he scored again ten minutes later to complete his hat‑trick.
Messi's three goals bring him level with Miroslav Klose at 16 World Cup goals, sharing the all‑time record. Both players now hold the joint record for most goals in World Cup history.
Lionel Scaloni made a public substitution ten minutes before full‑time, and Argentina maintained their 3‑0 lead. The victory puts Argentina top of Group J, while Austria and Jordan will meet at 06:00 am Dutch time.