Lionel Messi scores hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup opening match

In the opening match of the World Cup, Argentina defeated Algeria with a score of 3-0. The 39-year-old Lionel Messi scored all three goals for the reigning champions. This match marks Messi's sixth appearance in a World Cup tournament. With these goals, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner reached 16 total goals in the competition, tying the record held by Miroslav Klose. Brazilian football legend Ronaldo publicly praised Messi, stating that the world should now recognize him as the greatest player of all time. This event is part of a larger tournament featuring 48 international teams.