Messi equals World Cup scoring record with hat-trick

Lionel Messi marked his record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with a stunning hat-trick on Tuesday, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's joint all-time leading scorer and guiding defending champions Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.On a memorable night in front of a crowd of 69,045 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the 38-year-old delivered a masterclass to reach 16 World Cup goals, matching the record held by German great Miroslav Klose.Messi, making his landmark 200th international appearance, also became the first player in history to feature in six World Cups. Having made his tournament debut as a teenager at Germany 2006, the Argentine captain once again underlined his enduring brilliance with the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.His curling strike in the 17th minute moved him level with Gerd Müller and Kylian Mbappé on 14 World Cup goals before he surpassed both with his second of the night shortly after the hour mark. Messi then joined Klose on 16 goals with a clinical finish in the 76th minute, receiving a standing ovation from an adoring crowd when he was substituted four minutes later.Argentina, who defeated France on penalties following a dramatic 3-3 draw in the 2022 World Cup final in Doha, began their quest for consecutive titles in emphatic fashion with a dominant display.Elsewhere, France opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to become Les Bleus' all-time leading scorer with 58 goals in 99 appearances, surpassing Olivier Giroud."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."Meanwhile, Erling Haaland enjoyed a dream World Cup debut, scoring twice as Norway cruised to a 4-1 win over Iraq in Group I. The Manchester City striker took his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 matches, while substitute Leo Ostigard added a third before an own goal deep into stoppage time completed the scoring.World Cup debutants Jordan were due to face Austria later on Tuesday in the final Group J fixture.