Messi’s Hat-Trick Breaks World Cup Records As Argentina Down Algeria; Haaland Impresses In Big Performance

According to Ireporter Online, the reigning champions began their title defence in emphatic fashion at the Kansas City Stadium, with Messi marking his 200th appearance for Argentina and a record sixth World Cup outing with his first-ever hat-trick in the competition. The 38-year-old forward took his World Cup goal tally to 16, reinforcing his legacy on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Rodrigo De Paul set up Messi, who curled a brilliant strike beyond Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The match remained lively early on, with chances at both ends, while Algeria threatened intermittently in response.

Messi doubled the lead on the hour mark after capitalising on a costly error from Zidane, before completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a powerful finish from the edge of the area following a turnover. The victory also marked the first time Argentina have won their opening match as defending champions, having previously fallen short in similar scenarios in 1982 and 1990.

Elsewhere, Erling Haaland delivered a commanding performance as Norway marked their long-awaited World Cup return with a 4-1 win over Iraq in Boston. According to Ireporter Online, the Manchester City striker scored twice and played a decisive role throughout as Norway returned to the tournament for the first time since 1998.

Haaland opened the scoring with a close-range finish midway through the first half before Iraq briefly levelled through Ayman Hussein. However, Norway regained control when Haaland profited from a defensive error to restore their advantage. The Scandinavians later extended their lead through Leo Østigård, while Haaland was also involved in the buildup to a late own goal that sealed the emphatic win.

In another Group J encounter, Austria overcame a spirited Jordan side 3-1 in a tense and dramatic contest. According to Ireporter Online, Jordan stunned their opponents early in the second half when Ali Olwan struck to register the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Austria responded through sustained pressure and were aided by an own goal from Yazan Al-Arab after a dangerous set-piece. Despite Jordan’s resilience and several promising moments, Austria held firm under pressure before sealing victory deep into stoppage time when Marko Arnautović converted a penalty.