Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in World Cup

In a World Cup Group J match on Tuesday, Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City. Lionel Messi scored all three goals, recording his first hat-trick in the tournament since his debut in 2006.

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Receiving the ball just outside the box, he curled a left-footed shot into the top corner, past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The goal showcased his trademark precision and control.

His second goal came in the second half, a poacher's effort after a shot from Alexis Mac Allister was blocked. Messi was positioned to hook the rebound into the net.

The third goal was a side-footed shot from the edge of the box, finding the bottom corner. Messi celebrated with a quiet prayer, raising his arms skyward.

The hat-trick moved Messi level with Miroslav Klose as the joint highest goal-scorer in World Cup history. He could surpass the record in the group stage.

Messi, who turns 39 next week, is the oldest player in the tournament. His longevity has been marked by reinvention; while he no longer possesses the explosive pace of his youth, his positioning and passing remain elite. He provided the assist for Mac Allister's shot that led to his second goal.

Earlier in the day, France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland each scored twice in their respective matches. Haaland commented on social media, calling Messi a 'madman'.

Luca Zidane, son of former France star Zinedine Zidane, was in goal for Algeria. Zinedine Zidane watched from the stands. He played in the same World Cup when Messi made his debut in 2006.

Argentina's next match is against Saudi Arabia on June 21.