Lionel Messi equalled the all-time World Cup scoring record by netting a magnificent hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina commenced their title defence with a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria. Making his 200th international appearance at the Kansas City Stadium, the 38-year-old forward scored his first-ever World Cup treble to take his tournament tally to 16 goals, moving him level with German striker Miroslav Klose at the top of the historical charts. The Inter Miami star also created footballing history by becoming the first player to feature in six distinct World Cup tournaments.

The clinical victory marked the first time Argentina won an opening match as defending world champions, avoiding the previous pitfalls that blighted their 1982 and 1990 campaigns. The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul supplied the ball to his captain, who curled a spectacular strike past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The opening period provided relentless drama, featuring a disallowed goal for each side within the first 15 minutes, whilst the Argentinian captain escaped a booking for a reckless challenge on defender Aissa Mandi midway through the half.

The holders asserted complete control after the interval as the North African side failed to contain the constant pressure. The iconic forward claimed his second goal on the hour mark by capitalising on a defensive error from Zidane, before securing his historic treble in the 76th minute by collecting a pass from Nicolas Gonzalez and arrowing a fierce strike into the net from the edge of the penalty area. The comprehensive Group J victory provided the perfect start for the three-time world champions ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Austria and Jordan.

-BBC