Kolkata : Lionel Messi equalled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record with a hat-trick as Argentina kicked off their title defence with victory over Algeria in Group J at Kansas City Stadium.
Messi started the day three adrift of Miroslav Klose’s mark of 16 goals on the global stage, but within 76 minutes of this match he was on level terms with the former Germany international.
Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi both had efforts ruled out for offside in a breathless opening, but Argentina’s captain fantastic soon made his mark. Picking up possession 30 yards from goal, he expertly rolled his marker, surged forward and curled a superb finish beyond the grasp of Luca Zidane.
Algeria largely kept the reigning champions at arm’s length for the rest of the half, with an Alexis Mac Allister header over the crossbar Argentina’s only real chance.
Anis Hadj Moussa carved out one of the Fennec Foxes’ better openings moments earlier, but a deflection took the sting out of his low effort and Emiliano Martinez gathered comfortably.
Messi was once again at the heart of Argentina’s brightest attacking moments after the break. He first flashed a 20-yard effort over the bar before slipping in Lautaro Martinez, whose dangerous cross was cut out by Zidane.
The Argentina talisman’s second goal soon followed, with Zidane unable to hold Mac Allister’s powerful strike, allowing Messi to pounce on the rebound and finish coolly with his right foot.
The 38-year-old completed his hat-trick with a trademark curling finish from the edge of the area, capping his 200th senior international appearance in style.
Having equalled Klose’s record, Messi will have the chance to claim it outright when Argentina face Austria on 22 June. Algeria, meanwhile, take on Jordan in their next Group J outing.
Messi’s hat-trick came 20 years to the day after his World Cup debut as a substitute in a group-stage match against Serbia and Montenegro at Germany 2006.
“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. Now I’m just enjoying this, being part of a wonderful group, feeling good and being able to enjoy it out on the pitch. This is far more than I could ever have imagined when I was a kid”, Messi said after the win.
