KANSAS CITY — Lionel Messi kicked off Argentina’s World Cup defence in spectacular fashion on Tuesday, marking a record-breaking sixth tournament appearance with his first-ever FIFA World Cup hat-trick.
The masterclass spearheaded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria and vaulted the 38-year-old forward into the history books as the joint-highest scorer in World Cup history.
A Frustrating Start Turned Masterclass
Messi thought he had found the breakthrough just eight minutes into the clash when he slotted home from close range, only to be denied by the offside flag. Algeria responded almost immediately, experiencing their own heartbreak a minute later when Farès Chaïbi’s ninth-minute strike was also ruled out for offside.
However, Messi’s dream start was not to be denied for long. Shaking off the early frustration, he embarked on a trademark, mazy run before unleashing a powerful drive from the edge of the box. His famed left foot proved too hot to handle for Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane—son of French legend Zinedine Zidane—putting La Albiceleste ahead.
Chasing History
Argentina continued to dominate the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners, and Messi doubled the lead on the hour mark. Alert as ever, he reacted quickest to a rebound off Zidane following a fierce drive from Alexis Mac Allister, turning it in for a simple tap-in.
The crowning moment of a magical night arrived in the 76th minute. Messi picked up the ball just outside the area and drilled a low, clinical strike past the helpless keeper. The goal was historic, drawing him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the joint-all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.
The Race Against Ronaldo
Just three minutes after sealing his hat-trick, Messi was substituted to a thunderous standing ovation. While the maestro looked visibly disappointed to leave the pitch, manager Lionel Scaloni was clearly looking ahead, resting his talisman as Argentina aims to become only the third nation in history to retain the World Cup title.
With this performance, Messi sets a staggering benchmark just as his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, prepares to match his record of six tournament appearances for Portugal against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday.