Argentina vs Algeria FIFA World Cup Match Result: Argentina open title defense with 3-0 win as Lionel Messi scores first World Cup hat-trick
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, second right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal. (AP photo) Lionel Messi turned back the clock again as defending champions Argentina opened their World Cup title defense in emphatic fashion, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday.Twenty years after his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro – a game in which he also scored – the Argentina captain produced another masterpiece that sent the sea of blue and white at the Kansas City venue into delirium.How did it happen: Argentina vs Algeria, FIFA World CupMessi opened the scoring after being picked out by Rodrigo De Paul, pounced on the rebound to double Argentina’s lead early in the second half and completed his hat-trick with a trademark finish before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation.The goals took the 38-year-old to 16 at the World Cup and equaled German legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time list.“I’m at a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “He’s incredible.
Another milestone in a brilliant career
The hat-trick was the 61st of Messi’s remarkable career and his 11th in Argentina. It also extended his scoring streak to five consecutive World Cup games, becoming only the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to score in five different editions of the tournament.Messi’s appearance against Algeria was the 200th of his international career, two decades after he first donned the famous blue and white shirt.“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I’m going through now is the cherry on top,” Messi said. “I’m very happy and grateful for this amazing group. I’m enjoying it so much.”There were concerns over a minor hamstring problem picked up by Inter Miami in the build-up to the tournament, but the Argentine icon showed no signs of discomfort.“When I’m in good shape, I give everything,” added Messi.
The world champions are making a statement
Argentina were far too strong for Algeria and looked every inch the side capable of defending the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.Algeria thought they had taken an early lead through Fares Chaibi, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside. Moments later, Messi struck and the world champions never looked back.Lionel Scaloni’s men were solid defensively and fluid in possession, controlling proceedings throughout, with De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez playing key roles alongside their captain.Messi’s heroics also overshadowed big performances elsewhere on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal and Erling Haaland netting in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq.“Messi is crazy,” Haaland wrote on Snapchat.Rodrigo De Paul perhaps best summed up the importance of Argentina’s talisman.“It’s an advantage to have Leo because of how he handles the group and drives it forward. Because of who he is,” De Paul said. “He doesn’t care about individual records. He puts the group first and that’s incredible for us.”With their captain in vintage form, Argentina could hardly have started in more convincing fashion.