Messi makes history with first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina win

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup opener, with the 38-year-old scoring his first World Cup hat-trick and making history in the process.

Historic milestone

Messi became the first player to appear at six World Cups, surpassing rival Cristiano Ronaldo by a day. The milestone came exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old at Germany 2006. His hat-trick also moved him level with the record for most World Cup goals, with his 16th goal tying the all-time mark.

The Argentine captain, making his 200th international appearance, opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a curling left-footed strike from 25 yards that beat Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. Despite an early offside call that denied a goal in the fourth minute, Messi remained relentless.

Dominant display

Messi added his second goal in the 60th minute after a costly error by Zidane, calmly slotting the ball into the net. He completed his hat-trick later in the match, becoming the oldest player to score two goals in a World Cup match. Since turning 35, Messi has scored 10 World Cup goals, more than the career totals of Harry Kane, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Thierry Henry.

There was a moment of concern in the first half when Messi's studs caught the heel of Algeria's Aissa Mandi, but no action was taken by the referee.

Reactions

After the match, Messi said: "To enjoy this with my family, with my team-mates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment. The squad, it's a very united, very strong group. I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It's important to start off with a win in the first game."

He added: "I'm grateful to the fans, because once again they've shown that Argentina is crazy about this - we packed the stadium again. Everything I'm experiencing now is a bonus. I've been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams — or even more than I ever dreamed of achieving — both professionally and personally."

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said: "I don't have the words to describe Messi. For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this and he inspires everyone who watches him play."

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman commented: "Messi is celebrating like it's his first World Cup goal. With the ability he has, he never seems to age. It's a brilliant ball into his feet and, as you'd expect, he finishes it superbly."

The win gives Argentina a strong start in Group A, with Messi's performance once again underscoring his enduring brilliance on the world stage.