Argentina vs Algeria

Argentina kicked off their World Cup title defence in style, sweeping aside Algeria 3-0 in a Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium that belonged entirely to Lionel Messi and his first-ever hat-trick on the global stage. Messi broke the deadlock with a powerful 17th-minute strike from inside the box, added a second after a cross from Alexis Mac Allister in the 60th, then curled home the treble in the 76th. Both sides had early efforts disallowed for offside, and Emiliano Martínez produced a vital first-half save to keep the sheet clean. The feat arrived on Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina, drawing the 38-year-old level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals — an extraordinary milestone on an extraordinary night. Argentina sit top of Group J with a commanding opening statement. Algeria, who turned to Riyad Mahrez off the bench without reward, now face an early battle to stay alive in the tournament.