Messi’s sixth World Cup begins with record-breaking hat-trick for Argentina

Lionel Messi added another feat to his remarkable career by becoming the first player to appear in six FIFA World Cups and marking the occasion with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.

The 38-year-old reached the milestone when he was named in Argentina’s starting line-up for Tuesday’s Group match in Kansas City, making his 200th international appearance.

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Messi’s first goal of the night came after 17 minutes, taking his World Cup tally to 15 goals. H

e later completed his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals at the tournament and register his 120th international goal.

The Argentina captain had an earlier strike ruled out, but still delivered a memorable performance in front of nearly 70,000 fans and was given a standing ovation when substituted late in the match.

Messi’s World Cup journey began in 2006 when he made his debut as an 18-year-old and Tuesday’s appearance came exactly 20 years after his first World Cup cap against Serbia and Montenegro.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick and the first footballer to score in five consecutive World Cup matches.