Messi hat-trick leads Argentina to victory over Algeria in World Cup opener

Argentina began their World Cup title defense on Tuesday with a commanding 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J, thanks to a hat-trick from Lionel Messi. The superstar scored in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes in his 200th international appearance. Messi made history by becoming the first footballer to play in six World Cups, and his three goals also tied German Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals in the tournament. The leading scorers list now has Messi and Klose at 16, followed by Brazil's Ronaldo (15), Germany's Gerd Müller and France's Kylian Mbappé (14 each).

In other Group I action, France defeated Senegal 3-1, with Mbappé scoring twice. Norway thrashed Iraq 4-1, with Erling Haaland netting a brace (29', 43'), Leo Østigård scoring a header (74'), and an own goal from Iraq's Ayman Hussein in stoppage time. Hussein had earlier equalized for Iraq in the 39th minute.

This is the first World Cup featuring 48 teams, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. The group stage runs until June 27, with knockout matches starting June 28. Semifinals are set for July 14 and 15, the bronze medal match on July 18, and the final on July 19.

Argentina will next face Austria and Jordan in Group J, who played each other earlier today. The Argentines won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating France on penalties.