Messi shines as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in World Cup opener

LOS ANGELES: Lionel Messi produced a breathtaking, record-breaking masterclass as he lit up the opening of his sixth FIFA World Cup with a sensational hat-trick, powering defending champions Argentina to a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria and sending an early warning to the rest of the tournament contenders.

On a charged and electric night at Kansas City’s iconic Arrowhead Stadium, Messi once again turned global attention toward his magic.

At 38, in what was already a landmark 200th international appearance, the Argentine captain delivered a performance that blended experience, brilliance and pure footballing artistry as he became the joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history, equalling Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 goals.

Argentina started with authority and confidence, controlling possession and dictating rhythm, but it was Messi who unlocked the contest in the 17th minute with a trademark curling strike that left the goalkeeper rooted.

The goal immediately elevated him among the all-time greats, taking him to 14 World Cup goals and placing him alongside legends such as Gerd Müller and Kylian Mbappé in the record charts.

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The momentum never shifted. Argentina’s dominance grew sharper, and Messi struck again in the 60th minute reacting instinctively to a rebound after an Alexis Mac Allister effort, calmly slotting home to make it 2-0.

That finish not only tightened Argentina’s grip on the match but also saw him move past Müller and Mbappé, joining Brazil’s Ronaldo on 15 World Cup goals.

Then came the moment that sealed football history. In the 76th minute, Messi produced another moment of pure class, sweeping in a low, precise finish from the edge of the area to complete his hat-trick and draw level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.

The stadium erupted, fans rising in unison to applaud a performance that felt almost surreal in its perfection.

Four minutes later, Messi was substituted to a standing ovation, soaking in the admiration of a crowd fully aware they had witnessed something historic a performance that blended legacy, longevity and brilliance on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina’s victory also reinforces their status as serious contenders to retain the World Cup title they famously won in 2022 after an unforgettable final against France in Doha.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the tournament, France began their campaign in strong fashion with a 3-1 win over Senegal. Kylian Mbappé starred with a brilliant brace, further cementing his reputation as one of the most decisive players in world football.

The French forward also surpassed Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals, continuing his rise among the global elite.

France coach Didier Deschamps praised Mbappé’s influence, highlighting his ability to change matches in a single moment, even when not everything goes perfectly for him on the pitch.

Norway also delivered one of the standout performances of the opening round, marking their return to the World Cup finals after decades with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq. Erling Haaland, making his World Cup debut, immediately made his presence felt with two powerful finishes, showing why he is regarded as one of the most feared strikers in the game today.

Norway’s attack looked sharp, confident and ruthless, with Haaland’s goals setting the tone for a dominant display that included additional strikes to complete a statement win and secure three valuable points.

With Messi rewriting history, Mbappé continuing his unstoppable rise, and Haaland announcing himself on the World Cup stage, the tournament has already exploded into life promising a thrilling battle ahead filled with records, drama and unforgettable moments.