Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria

Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with a hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina started their defense with victory over Algeria.

The Inter Miami forward, making his 200th appearance for his country, opened the scoring in the 16th minute, doubling the lead on the hour before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute.

His efforts created history, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took his tally in World Cup finals to 16.

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Messi has now equaled Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the all-time top goalscorer in the competition’s history.

The three-time world champions will have to work hard for victory at the Kansas City Stadium as they aim to become the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup.

This was the first time Argentina had won their opening game at a World Cup as defending champions, having suffered defeats in 1982 and 1990.