The reigning champions began their title defence in style, with Messi marking his record sixth World Cup appearance by delivering a masterclass that also saw him become the joint-highest goalscorer in men’s World Cup history with 16 goals.

Argentina thought they had struck early when Messi found the net in the eighth minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The setback was brief.

Moments later, the 38-year-old broke the deadlock with a trademark solo effort, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box that left Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane helpless.

Algeria, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners, briefly threatened when Fares Chaibi had a ninth-minute effort disallowed for offside, but they rarely troubled Argentina thereafter.

After the break, Messi doubled his tally in the 60th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Alexis Mac Allister’s effort was parried by Zidane, tapping home from close range to extend Argentina’s control.

The crowning moment came in the 76th minute when Messi curled a precise low finish from just outside the area into the bottom corner, completing his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and sending the crowd into celebration.

He was substituted shortly after to a standing ovation, with Argentina comfortably managing the closing stages. The result ensured a smooth start to their campaign, especially after their shock opening defeat in the previous World Cup in Qatar.

The match also underlined Messi’s longevity, as he reached 200 international appearances dating back to his debut in 2005. It was a night that reinforced his enduring influence on the global stage, even as he continues his career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1, while Erling Haaland also struck twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq, but it was Messi’s record-breaking display that stole the spotlight as Argentina began their quest to retain the World Cup crown.