The 39-year-old superstar's hat-trick on the Kansas City pitch (USA) didn't create a breathtaking match, but it was enough to turn Argentina's opening day into a special chapter in World Cup history.
Messi's opening goal in the 17th minute came after a pass from midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. That moment made Messi the second player to score in five different World Cups, after striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006, scoring against Serbia and Montenegro. Two decades later, he captains the reigning champions and still has the ability to decide matches.
Messi's second goal in the 60th minute brought him closer to the all-time World Cup scoring record. In the 76th minute, he completed his first career hat-trick at the biggest football tournament on the planet.
This goal helped Messi equal the record of 16 goals scored by legendary Miroslav Klose at the World Cup. With his current form, it's only a matter of time before Messi takes sole possession of the World Cup scoring charts.
This was also Messi's 61st hat-trick of his career, and his 11th for the Argentina national team.
The night in Kansas City also marked Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina. That number speaks not only of his career length, but also encompasses a journey through years of doubt, reaching the pinnacle in Qatar 2022 before continuing to lead the team at the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina controlled the tempo of the game well. Algeria had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside, but the rest belonged to Lionel Scaloni's team.
This victory gives Argentina 3 points, a goal difference of +3, and puts them temporarily at the top of Group J after their opening match.
More importantly, the South American team began their title defense with a quiet but impactful match, and Messi shone brightly.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/messi-ghi-hat-trick-di-vao-lich-su-world-cup-post781867.html
