Hattrick Hero Lionel Messi Sinks Algeria At Kansas City, La Albiceleste Starts FIFA World Cup Defence In Majestic Style

Lionel Messi has scored his first FIFA World Cup hattrick as Argentina have defeated Algeria 3-0 at Kansas City Stadium. The Argentine star has now 16 goal in World Cups and is now level with Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup goal-scoring list.

Lionel Messi Hat-trick Propels Argentina To 3-0 Win

Argentina enjoyed lion share of possession and Algeria hardly threaten Emiliano Martinez in goal. Messi made his 200th appearance for the Argentina national team and his three goals have now provided a huge uplift to Argentina's FIFA World Cup defence.

Messi opened the scoring at the 17th minutes when he launched a powerful curling shot from near the box. Rodrigo De Paul fed him with a delightful ball and the Inter Miami star didn't waste his time to launch a left foot effort. The next goal came at the hour mark. Luca Zidane couldn't hold on to Alexis Mac Allister's powerful shot and the rebound comes to Messi. The 38 year old didn't make any mistakes and slot the ball past the Algerian keeper.

The last goal came at the stroke of 76th minute. Julian Alvarez finds Messi in a pocket of space and lays him to him. The Argentina captain launches a low shot to the left bottom corner and completed his hat-trick.

Argentina will continue its pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles in Arlington, Texas, when it plays Austria on Monday and Jordan on June 27. Algeria plays Jordan on Monday in Santa Clara, California, before facing Austria in its Group J finale on June 27 back in Kansas City.

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(With AP Inputs)