Messi's Hat-Trick Powers Argentina to Dominant World Cup Title Defence Win

Argentina began their World Cup title defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, led by captain Lionel Messi's hat-trick performance. Messi broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a solo effort, then doubled Argentina's advantage in the 60th minute after reacting quickly to a rebound. His third goal came in the 76th minute, a low finish that sealed the result.

The hat-trick took Messi's World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history. Messi was substituted shortly after to a standing ovation, with Argentina managing the remainder of the match against an Algeria side that struggled throughout.