Messi becomes joint-top scorer after hat-trick against Algeria in World Cup opener

Lionel Messi wrote himself into history by scoring a stunning hat-trick to give Argentina the perfect start to their World Cup title defence, beating Algeria 3-0 in Kansas.

Sharp and unerring, he was a level above every other player on the pitch.

His treble ensured he drew level in the all-time scoring charts with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 tournament goals, also becoming the the oldest player to score multiple times in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla's record.

The 38-year-old was ably supported by Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and club team-mate Rodrigo De Paul, but the night firmly belonged to him as he scored a trio of epic goals in a display that will be talked about for decades. His 61st career hat-trick.

The first was engineered by De Paul, delivering a cutting through ball to Messi in the pocket, and he shaped a lovely strike beyond Luca Zidane - son of France legend Zinedine Zidane.

Having been perhaps fortunate to avoid a card for a challenge on Aissa Mandi, Messi's second arrived early in the second half, turning home a parried effort from Mac Allister, before the third from the edge of the area, a low, bending strike, gave him his crowning moment.