Messi hat-trick moves him to joint top scorer in World Cup finals published at 04:25 BST 04:25 BST FT: Argentina 3-0 Algeria

A historic night as Lionel Messi, at the age of 38, draws level with Miroslav Klose in scoring the most goals at World Cup.

And what a way to do it, with a hat-trick as reigning holders Argentina make the perfect start to the defence as they are far too good for Algeria.

Three goals for Messi, three points for Argentina, who are up and running and looking dangerous.

Lionel Messi became the World Cup's joint-top all-time scorer with a hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina began their defence with a statement victory over Algeria.

Making his 200th appearance for his country, Messi scored his first treble at a World Cup.

And it created a piece of history, as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took his World Cup finals goal tally to 16 - moving him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in the competition's history.

The three-time world champions were made to work for victory at the Kansas City Stadium as they aim to become only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup.

It was the first time Argentina had won their opening match at a World Cup as defending champions, having suffered defeats in 1982 and 1990.