Messi hat-trick downs Algeria and writes World Cup history

(Patria) - The Argentine national football team opened their World Cup campaign with a victory, defeating Algeria 3-0 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Although Algeria found the net in the eighth minute through Chaiba, the goal was disallowed after a VAR check due to offside. Shortly before that, Lionel Messi also had a goal ruled out for an offside position.

The Argentine captain, however, put his side ahead in the 17th minute with a brilliant long-range strike. There were few excitements until the end of the first half, and the score remained unchanged.

In the second half, the reigning world champions took full control of the match. Messi doubled the lead in the 60th minute, before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute to make it 3-0.

Aside from leading Argentina to a comfortable victory, Messi's performance saw him equal Miroslav Klose's record for the most goals scored at World Cups. Both now have 16 goals, while Ronaldo has 15.

Argentina thus began their world title defense in the best possible way, and in the next round they will face Austria. Algeria will seek their first points against Jordan.