Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening World Cup match, with Lionel Messi scoring all three goals. This performance brings Messi’s total World Cup goals to 16, tying the record previously held by German player Miroslav Klose. The match also marked Messi’s 200th international appearance for Argentina. He surpassed Kylian Mbappé, who currently has 14 World Cup goals, in the all-time scoring list. This is Messi’s sixth appearance in a World Cup tournament, continuing his impressive career on the international stage. The victory provides a strong start for Argentina in the competition.