Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria on Tuesday, equaling Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals. The 38-year-old captain’s performance also makes him the oldest player to achieve a World Cup hat-trick. Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opening match, revitalizing their title defense. Messi was initially denied a goal in the opening minutes due to an offside call, but quickly followed up with a powerful strike in the 17th minute. He capitalized on a goalkeeper error in the 60th minute and added another goal in the 76th minute, assisted by Nico Gonzalez. This match also marked Messi’s 200th cap for Argentina and his sixth World Cup appearance, a record for any player.