Messi Hat-Trick Sends Argentina Past Algeria 3–0

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Argentina defeated Algeria 3–0 in a FIFA World Cup group-stage match held in Kansas City, Missouri, United States.

Lionel Messi scored all three goals for Argentina, netting in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes.

With this performance, Messi brought his total FIFA World Cup goals to 16, moving to the top of the tournament’s all-time scoring list, level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who also has 16 goals.

Defending world champions Argentina are competing in Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan, who are scheduled to play their match later.

In the second round of fixtures, Argentina will face Austria on 22 June, while Algeria will play Jordan on 23 June.