Messi makes history: first World Cup hat-trick and equaling Klose's record

Argentina kicked off their World Cup title defense with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, as captain Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick. The 39-year-old became the oldest player to net three goals in a single World Cup match, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's previous record. It was Messi's first hat-trick in the World Cup finals and his 11th for Argentina.

Messi also equaled German legend Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 World Cup goals and matched his 17 wins in the tournament. Additionally, he became the first footballer to play in six World Cup finals, making his 200th appearance for Argentina in the process. The Algerian goalkeeper was Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, who made several saves but could not stop Messi's strikes.

Argentina took control early, with Messi scoring in the 17th minute. After halftime, they dominated possession and added two more goals in the 60th and 76th minutes. The win places Argentina at the top of Group J with three points. Messi now stands on the brink of becoming the sole record holder in both goals and wins, with more matches ahead.