KANSAS CITY: Lionel Messi scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his career as Argentina opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 18th minute to give his side an early lead. He added a second goal in the 60th minute after converting a rebound before completing his hat-trick in the 77th minute with a strike from outside the penalty area.
The three-goal performance saw Messi equal Miroslav Klose’s record for the most goals scored in men’s World Cup history. At the same time, he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.
Messi was substituted late in the second half and received a standing ovation from Argentina supporters in attendance.
Following the match, Messi downplayed the significance of the milestone.
“It’s an honor being up there for what it means, being alongside Klose and Ronaldo,” he said in a post-match interview.
He added that records were secondary to the team’s objectives, describing them as “stats and nothing more.”
The victory gives Argentina three points and a strong start to their World Cup campaign, while Algeria remain without a point after their opening match.