Messi Hat-Trick as Argentina Begin Title Defence with Algeria Win

Argentina defeated Algeria 3–0 at Kansas City Stadium to open their title defence. Lionel Messi curled in from Rodrigo De Paul's pass in the 17th minute, pounced on a defensive error for his second after half-time, and completed his maiden World Cup hat-trick with a precise finish from Nicolás González's setup in the 76th minute.

The 38-year-old's treble on his 200th international appearance moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals and made him the oldest player to score a hat-trick at the finals. Farès Chaïbi had an early effort ruled out by VAR for Algeria as Argentina finished with 48% possession, 10 shots and six on target in front of 69,045 fans without a card being shown.

Argentina lead Group J on goal difference from Austria. The Albiceleste face Ralf Rangnick's side in Dallas on 22 June, while Algeria meet Jordan in Santa Clara on the same day.