Kolkata : Lionel Messi opened his record-breaking sixth World Cup with a hat-trick to become the tournament’s joint all-time top score.
Messi delivered an electrifying individual display to join Miroslav Klose at the top of the World Cup scorers charts with 16 goals. Argentina eventually defeated Algeria 3-0 to start title defense in style.
The 38-year-old had started an unforgettable occasion – his 200th international appearance – by claiming a piece of history, becoming the first man to play in six World Cups as he led Argentina onto the field for what would become a one-sided Group J clash. Messi, who first played in the World Cup as a teenager during the 2006 finals in Germany, then emphatically stamped his class over proceedings with a memorable hat-trick – the first of his World Cup career.
A 17th minute curling strike took his World Cup goals tally to 14, putting him alongside German legend Gerd Muller and France superstar Kylian Mbappé in the all-time rankings. He then moved one clear of Muller and Mbappé to join Brazilian great Ronaldo on 15 goals in the 60th minute after pouncing on a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister shot to make it 2-0.
He joined Germany’s Klose on 16 goals in the 76th minute, sweeping in a low finish from the edge of the area before departing to deafening applause and a standing ovation from an adoring crowd four minutes later.
