Lionel Messi produced another masterclass on football’s biggest stage on Tuesday, scoring a stunning hat-trick to equal the FIFA World Cup all-time scoring record as Argentina opened their title defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The Argentine captain delivered a vintage performance before a packed crowd at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, taking his World Cup tally to 16 goals and drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s joint-highest scorer.
The memorable night also marked another historic milestone for Messi, who became the first player in football history to feature in six FIFA World Cups. The appearance was also his 200th for Argentina, adding further significance to an occasion that will be remembered as one of the greatest of his illustrious career.
Having made his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old at the 2006 tournament in Germany, the 38-year-old showed he remains as influential as ever, netting the first World Cup hat-trick of his career to inspire the reigning champions to a comfortable Group J victory.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark curling effort that moved him onto 14 World Cup goals, level with German icon Gerd Muller and France star Kylian Mbappe in the competition’s all-time rankings.
The Argentine doubled his tally on the hour mark, reacting quickest to convert a rebound after an effort from Alexis Mac Allister, taking him to 15 World Cup goals and alongside Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario.
He completed his historic hat-trick in the 76th minute with a precise low finish from the edge of the penalty area, moving level with Klose on 16 goals before receiving a standing ovation as he left the pitch four minutes later.
The emphatic victory signalled Argentina’s determination to retain the title they won in dramatic fashion against France in the 2022 World Cup final in Doha, where they triumphed on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Mbappe Leads France Past Senegal
Elsewhere on Tuesday, France began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over Senegal, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to underline his status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards.
The brace saw Mbappe become France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals in 99 appearances, surpassing former record-holder Olivier Giroud.
France coach Didier Deschamps praised his star forward after the match.
“There are still people out there who will criticise him, but he is an extraordinary player,” Deschamps said. “Not everything came off for him, but he can win games in one moment.”
Deschamps added that Mbappe’s achievement was even more significant because it came on the World Cup stage.
“I am really pleased for him. He didn’t score in the warm-up games, but to break the record at the World Cup gives it more impact,” he said.
Haaland Marks World Cup Debut with Brace
Norway striker Erling Haaland also made a memorable World Cup debut, scoring twice in a dominant 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I.
The Manchester City forward opened the scoring in the 29th minute from close range before Iraq equalised through Aymen Hussein’s header.
Haaland restored Norway’s lead before halftime after capitalising on a defensive mistake, taking his international tally to an impressive 57 goals in just 51 appearances.
Substitute Leo Ostigard added a third goal before an injury-time own goal by Hussein completed the rout and secured Norway’s first World Cup victory since returning to the tournament for the first time since 1998.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken praised Haaland’s composure on the grand stage.
“You could see that he adapted to the occasion; the occasion wasn’t too big for him,” Solbakken said.
“I had a good feeling before the game. I was quite comfortable that he would deliver for us today.”
The day’s action concludes later on Tuesday when World Cup debutants Jordan take on Austria in Santa Clara, California.
