Messi’s hat‑trick against Algeria ties Klose’s 16‑goal record.

Legendary Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat‑trick against Algeria yesterday, giving Argentina a perfect start to their World Cup title defence in Kansas.

The 38‑year‑old Argentina captain, who plays club football with Inter Miami, rolled back the years with a superb display on the biggest stage of the game to announce that he still has something to offer.

It was a perfect reminder of why he is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Messi hit target in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes to now match the 16‑goal World Cup record held by Miroslav Klose of Germany.

Now, only Kylian Mbappé of France will be his main rival, as he is just two goals behind, just like Gerd Müller of Germany, while Ronaldo of Brazil has 15 goals across his own World Cup appearances before hanging his boots.

Messi, who has overcome an injury doubt leading up to this match, will be expected to set a new record at this World Cup.

The first of Messi’s three goals was a stunning effort as he received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul before firing an unstoppable shot past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The Algerian shot‑stopper, son of France’s legend Zinedine, could have done much better with the second goal, parrying a strike from Alexis Mac Allister into the path of the former Barcelona forward, who calmly rolled the ball into the net.

The third goal was another trademark finish, after he received the ball on the edge of the box before curling a superb effort into the corner to complete his hat‑trick and seal the victory.

Elsewhere, Austria made a 3‑1 victorious return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28‑year absence, winning Group J clash with Jordan on their debut.

Jordan carved out the first opportunity inside two minutes, as a quick counter‑attack resulted in Ehsan Haddad hitting the side netting. They also sat back to stifle the Austrian threat and hit them on the fast break.

RESULTS

Argentina 3‑0 Algeria

Austria 3‑1 Jordan

Portugal 1‑1 DR Congo

England 4‑2 Croatia

Ghana – Panama

TODAY

Uzbekistan v Colombia

Czech Rep v S’Africa

Switzerland v Bosnia & H

Canada v Qatar