Argentina opened their World Cup title defence with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria, with Lionel Messi scoring all three goals.

The 38-year-old forward registered the first World Cup hat-trick of his career and moved level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Messi also became the oldest player to score more than once in a World Cup match, surpassing the record previously held by Roger Milla.

Argentina controlled much of the match, with midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul playing key roles in supporting the attack.

Messi opened the scoring in the first half after receiving a well-weighted pass from De Paul and finishing past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The second goal came shortly after the break when Messi reacted quickest to convert a rebound following an effort from Mac Allister.

He completed his hat-trick with a low strike from outside the penalty area to seal the victory and ensure Argentina made a strong start to the tournament.

Messi was substituted late in the game and received applause from supporters inside the stadium. The hat-trick was also a notable milestone as it came exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also scored.