Messi turns back the clock with World Cup hat-trick, equals all-time scoring record

World Cup holders Argentina opened their title defence in emphatic fashion on Tuesday as Lionel Messi produced a stunning hat-trick to inspire a 3-0 victory over Algeria and equal the tournament’s all-time scoring record.

The 39-year-old football icon delivered a masterclass at the packed Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, taking his World Cup tally to 16 goals and drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition’s joint-highest scorer.

The match was another historic milestone for Messi, who became the first player ever to feature in six FIFA World Cups while also making his 200th appearance for Argentina.

Having first graced the global stage at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Messi showed he still possesses the magic that has defined his illustrious career.

He opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a trademark curling effort, moving level with Germany’s Gerd Muller and France captain Kylian Mbappe on 14 World Cup goals.

Messi struck again just after the hour mark, reacting quickest to convert a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot was parried, taking his tally to 15 and matching Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

The veteran forward completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute with a composed finish from the edge of the area, sending the crowd into raptures as he joined Klose at the summit of the World Cup scoring charts.

He was given a standing ovation when substituted four minutes later.

Argentina, who defeated France on penalties in the dramatic 2022 final in Doha after a thrilling 3-3 draw, have signalled their intention to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.

Haaland shines on World Cup debut

Norway striker Erling Haaland also enjoyed a memorable World Cup debut, scoring twice in a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I.

The Manchester City star opened the scoring before Iraq’s Aymen Hussein levelled matters. Haaland restored Norway’s lead before half-time and now boasts an incredible 57 goals in just 51 international appearances.

Substitute Leo Ostigard added a third before an own goal from Hussein deep into stoppage time sealed Norway’s biggest World Cup win in decades.

“It wasn’t too big an occasion for him,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said of Haaland.

“I had a good feeling before the game that he would deliver, and he certainly did.”

World Cup debutants Jordan were scheduled to face Austria later on Tuesday in the other Group J fixture. (AFP)