Superb Messi Scores Hat-trick As Argentina Thrash Algeria In World Cup Opener 

Lionel Messi began Argentina’s defence of the FIFA World Cup with a stunning hat-trick, as Lionel Scaloni’s side defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City.

Messi scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minute, scoring his first-ever hattrick at the World Cup, on his 200th appearance for Argentina as he became the first man to appear in six World Cups. The goals took him to 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose for the all-time record. He also brought up his 24th goal contribution in the World Cup, now going past Pele (21) for the all-time record.

The goals were outstanding as well, his first a long-range screamer, the second a tap-in and his third an accurate curled effort into the bottom corner, as the night belonged to Messi.