Messi matches Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record

Lionel Messi marked his record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in spectacular fashion on Tuesday, scoring a hat-trick as defending champions Argentina opened their title defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.

In front of a crowd of 69,045 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the Argentine captain produced a masterclass to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.

The 38-year-old had already made history before kick-off, becoming the first player ever to feature in six World Cups during his 200th international appearance. He then ensured the occasion would be remembered with the first World Cup hat-trick of his career.

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a curling effort, taking his World Cup tally to 14 goals and drawing level with German legend Gerd Müller and France star Kylian Mbappé. He moved ahead of both players in the 60th minute, converting a rebound after an Alexis Mac Allister shot to reach 15 goals and join Brazilian great Ronaldo.

The Argentine icon matched Klose’s record in the 76th minute with a clinical low finish from the edge of the box. Four minutes later, he left the field to a standing ovation and thunderous applause from the crowd.

Argentina famously defeated France in the dramatic 2022 World Cup final in Doha, winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw in which Mbappé scored a hat-trick.

Mbappé shines for France

France began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, with Mbappé scoring twice to underline his credentials as one of the tournament’s leading stars.

“There are still people who criticise him, but he is an extraordinary player,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “Not everything came off for him, but he can change a game in an instant.”

Mbappé’s brace also saw him surpass Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer, reaching 58 goals in 99 appearances.

“I’m really pleased for him,” Deschamps added. “He didn’t score in the warm-up matches, but breaking the record at a World Cup makes it even more special.”

Elsewhere, Norway striker Erling Haaland enjoyed a dream World Cup debut, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq in Group I.

The Manchester City forward opened the scoring in the 29th minute in Foxborough. Although Aymen Hussein equalised with a header for Iraq, Haaland restored Norway’s lead before half-time after capitalising on a defensive mistake. His two goals took his international tally to 57 in just 51 matches.

Substitute Leo Østigård added a third before an own goal by Hussein deep into stoppage time sealed Norway’s emphatic victory in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

“You could see he adapted to the occasion — it wasn’t too big for him,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said of Haaland.

“I had a good feeling before the game and was confident he would deliver for us today.”

Later on Tuesday, World Cup debutants Jordan were set to take on Austria in Santa Clara, California, in the other Group J fixture.