Messi hat-trick sends records tumbling as Argentina sink Algeria

Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick on his 200th Argentina cap, drawing level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goals record, as the champions beat Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City.

Lionel Messi rolled back the years to score a hat-trick as the defending champions Argentina swept aside Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, rewriting the World Cup record books in the process.

The match marked Lionel Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina and made him the first man ever to feature at six different World Cups. He marked the occasion in the only way that would do it justice.

His first, on 17 minutes, was a long-range screamer that arrowed past the Algeria goalkeeper. The second, just after the hour, was a simple tap-in from close range. On 76 minutes he completed his first ever World Cup hat-trick with a trademark curled finish into the bottom corner, sending a sold-out crowd into raptures.

The treble took Messi to 16 World Cup goals, drawing him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer, a record few imagined would ever be matched. At 38, the little magician is still writing history.

Algeria were simply second best on the night, undone by a moment or three of genius. Argentina move to the top of Group J and look ominously sharp. For fans across Africa and in Kenya, there was the bittersweet privilege of watching one of the greatest of all time produce something for the ages.