Lionel Messi has equalled Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals with a hat-trick as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City.
Argentina had started their ultimately successful 2022 campaign with defeat to Saudi Arabia, but avoided any such upset on this occasion thanks to Messi's first World Cup treble on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).
Messi's second took him level with Brazil great Ronaldo on 15 goals across his six World Cup appearances.
He was denied in a one-on-one by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane and had a penalty appeal turned down before joining Germany's Klose in a share of the record.
"When I'm in good shape, I give it my all," Messi, who had been hampered by a hamstring problem in the lead-up to the tournament, said through an interpreter.
