Lionel Messi delivered a memorable performance on Tuesday, scoring a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match of the FIFA World Cup.
The victory marked a perfect start for the defending champions, while Messi etched his name further into football history by equalling the World Cup all-time scoring record with 16 goals.
The Argentine captain also achieved another remarkable milestone before kick off, becoming the first player to feature in six FIFA World Cup tournaments during his 200th international appearance.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb curling effort, moving level with some of the tournament’s greatest goalscorers.
He doubled Argentina’s lead in the second half after reacting quickest to a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister shot, taking his World Cup tally to 15 goals.
The 38-year-old completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area, drawing level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the competition’s joint all-time leading scorer.
Messi received a standing ovation from supporters when he was substituted shortly after completing his treble.
Elsewhere, France opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, thanks largely to a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
The French forward’s double saw him surpass Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his international tally to 58 goals.
France coach Didier Deschamps praised Mbappe’s performance, describing him as a player capable of deciding matches in an instant.
In another World Cup fixture, Norway defeated Iraq 4-1, with Erling Haaland marking his World Cup debut with two goals.
The Manchester City striker scored either side of Iraq’s equaliser before Norway added two more goals to secure a comfortable victory.
Haaland’s brace increased his international goal tally to 57 goals in just 51 appearances for Norway.
Argentina’s victory places them in a strong position in Group J as they continue their quest to retain the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022.
AFP
