Messi scores first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina win

Argentine icon Lionel Messi became the most decorated player in World Cup history after scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick against Algeria in a match that Argentina won 3-0. The game also marked a personal milestone, as it was Messi's sixth World Cup appearance.

The 38-year-old rewrote history from the moment he stepped onto the pitch at Kansas City Stadium for his 200th international appearance, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Messi became the first player ever to participate in six World Cups after being named in Argentina's starting lineup. The record is expected to be shared by Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Messi's first goal came in the 17th minute, allowing him to equal the World Cup tally of Kylian Mbappé, who had scored his 14th World Cup goal earlier that day in France's 3-1 victory over Senegal in New York.

Messi opened the scoring after a clever assist from his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, added a second goal early in the second half, and completed his hat-trick with a precise finish shortly before being substituted.

Messi's decades-long World Cup journey began in 2006 when, at just 18 years old, he made his tournament debut.

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