Messi equals World Cup scoring record with hat-trick in Argentina’s win over Algeria

TLE DESK: Lionel Messi produced a stunning hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, while the veteran forward matched the men’s World Cup all-time scoring record.

The 38-year-old Argentine captain scored all three goals in Kansas City on Tuesday night, drawing level with former German striker Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in men’s World Cup history.

Messi gave Argentina an early lead after being set up by his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The goal sparked an emotional celebration, with the Argentine star wiping tears from his eyes as teammates gathered around him.

Speaking after the match, Messi said the emotions were linked to personal difficulties rather than football.

“I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to football. Those feelings were because of that,” he said, while thanking his teammates, coaching staff and delegation for their support.

The Argentine captain doubled the lead early in the second half after capitalising on a rebound before completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish shortly before being substituted.

Messi left the field to a standing ovation from more than 69,000 spectators, many of whom were supporting the three-time world champions.

The performance eased concerns surrounding Messi’s recent hamstring injury and reinforced Argentina’s ambitions of becoming only the third nation to successfully defend a World Cup title.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was full of praise for his captain.

“At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He’s incredible,” Scaloni said.

The victory puts Argentina in a strong position in Group J and sends an early warning to their rivals as they pursue another World Cup crown.

For Messi, the night added yet another milestone to an extraordinary international career, as he joined Klose at the top of the World Cup scoring charts and once again demonstrated his enduring influence on football’s biggest stage.