Messi Hat-Trick Equals All-Time World Cup Scoring Record

Lionel Messi wrote another chapter in football history on Tuesday, scoring a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener, according to Reuters. The performance drew Messi level with the all-time World Cup goalscoring record, a landmark that puts him in the most rarified company the sport has ever seen.

The result sets Argentina up nicely as they begin their defence of the world title, and Messi's evening included a left-footed effort from outside the box that pushed the Algeria goalkeeper to a fine save, before the hat-trick was completed. For Messi, the record is yet another addition to a collection that already seemed impossible to extend.

Reuters reports that the goalscoring milestone is now his, equalled on the grandest stage. With Argentina looking sharp and their talisman in this kind of form, the rest of the tournament has been put on notice.