Lionel Messi produced a record-equalling masterclass as Argentina opened their World Cup title defence with a commanding victory over Algeria in Kansas City.
Making his 200th appearance for Argentina and becoming the first player to feature in six World Cups, the 38-year-old scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his career to take his tournament tally to 16 goals, matching the all-time record held by Miroslav Klose.
Messi’s treble secured a hard-fought win for the reigning champions, who claimed their first-ever opening-match victory as defending World Cup holders after previous setbacks in 1982 and 1990.
The result gives Argentina a strong start in Group J ahead of upcoming fixtures against Austria and Jordan.