BREAKING: Messi scores first ever world cup hat-trick to become the highest goalscorer surpassing Miroslav Klose

Historic night for Argentina captain, Lionel Messi delivered a landmark performance on his 200th appearance for Argentina, scoring a hat-trick as the reigning champions launched their World Cup title defence with an emphatic victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, Sport360NG reports. 

The 38-year-old produced his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and, in doing so, etched his name further into football history. His three goals took his tally at World Cup finals to 16, drawing level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

Messi’s latest milestone came on another memorable occasion, with the Argentina captain also becoming the first footballer to feature in six World Cup tournaments.

Champions Overcome Early Resistance

Although the final scoreline suggested a comfortable evening, Argentina were forced to work hard against a spirited Algerian side.

The match burst into life from the opening stages, with both teams seeing goals ruled out in a frenetic start. Messi thought he had opened the scoring early on, only for the effort to be disallowed, while Algeria suffered the same fate just three minutes later.

Argentina eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute through their talisman. Receiving a pass from Inter Miami colleague Rodrigo De Paul, Messi curled a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of France great Zinedine Zidane, to put the South Americans ahead.

There was a moment of concern for Argentina midway through the first half when Messi escaped disciplinary punishment after a rash challenge on Algeria defender Aissa Mandi.

Record-Equalling Treble Seals Victory

After maintaining their narrow advantage into the second half, Argentina doubled their lead just after the hour mark.

Messi capitalised on an error from Zidane, reacting quickest inside the area to slot home from close range and give the holders greater control of the contest.

The veteran forward then completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a finish worthy of the occasion. After winning possession from Nicolas Gonzalez, Messi drove forward before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area that flew into the net.

The victory also ended a long-standing trend for Argentina, who had previously lost their opening World Cup match as defending champions in both 1982 and 1990.

Positive Start in Group J

The result gives the three-time world champions an ideal platform as they pursue a rare successful title defence, a feat achieved by only two nations in World Cup history.

Argentina now sit in a strong position in Group J and will continue their campaign with fixtures against Austria and Jordan as they seek to build momentum towards the knockout stages.