World Cup hat tricks: Messi’s was the latest, an American scored the first and other key facts

AI Summary

Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat trick at age 38, becoming the joint highest scorer in men's World Cup history with 16 goals. Argentina's defense of their title is progressing strongly with Messi's performance in the 3-0 win over Algeria.

At age 38 and playing in his sixth World Cup, Lionel Messi has his first hat trick in soccer's biggest tournament and Argentina's defense of the trophy is off to a flying start. Messi's three goals in the 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday saw him become the joint highest scorer in men's World Cup history alongside Germany's Miroslav Klose with 16 in total. It was also the first hat trick of this year's tournament and the 55th in World Cup history.