Lionel Messi opened his record-breaking sixth World Cup in spectacular fashion Tuesday, scoring the first World Cup hat trick of his career as defending champion Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in its Group J opener.
On a night packed with milestones at Arrowhead Stadium, the 38-year-old captain became the first player to appear in six men's World Cups, earned his 200th international cap and equaled Miroslav Klose's all-time men's World Cup scoring record with 16 goals.
Most importantly for Argentina, Messi's brilliance delivered the perfect start to the Albiceleste's quest to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title.
"It's always good to start with a win," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said afterward. "There is a long way to go, but winning strengthens everything."
Messi takes center stage
