Lionel Messi marked his long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a brilliant hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina began their title defence with a commanding victory over Algeria.

Making his 200th appearance for his country, Messi scored his first treble at a World Cup, taking his tournament goal tally to 16 and drawing level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

The three-time world champions were made to work for the win 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.

Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a wonderful curled strike, collecting the ball from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul before bending it past goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

Argentina’s second came from close range on the hour mark when Messi pounced on a mistake from Zidane. He then sealed his first World Cup hat-trick in the 76th minute with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area after taking the ball from Nicolas Gonzalez.

Algeria had briefly threatened an equaliser but were ultimately outclassed by the defending champions.

Having made a winning start in Group J, Argentina now prepare for matches against Austria and Jordan.

Messi Makes More World Cup History

At 38 years old and just a week away from his 39th birthday, Messi rolled back the years with a sensational display. His hat-trick made him the oldest player to score three goals in a single World Cup match.

His performance proved he remains determined to help Argentina secure a fourth World Cup title this summer.

With two more group matches remaining, all eyes will once again be on the Argentine superstar as he chases further records.