Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in Group J on Tuesday as Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.
Messi also became the first player to appear in six World Cup tournaments when he started the match in Kansas City. The game marked his 200th appearance for Argentina.
The 38-year-old opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a long-range finish after Rodrigo De Paul sent him through. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane reached the shot but could not keep it out.
Messi scored his second goal in the 60th minute after Zidane failed to hold Alexis Mac Allister’s strike from distance. The Inter Miami forward then completed his first World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute from Nico Gonzalez’s pass.
Argentina controlled most of the match, although Algeria threatened before halftime. Emiliano Martinez had to parry a Fares Chaibi effort from a tight angle.
Both teams had early goals ruled out for offside, including Messi’s. Zidane also denied Lautaro Martinez and later pushed another Messi effort over the bar.
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Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions are trying to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Algeria are seeking only their second knockout-stage appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo can match Messi’s record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday
