Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, marking his 200th international appearance with a performance that moved him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. The 38-year-old was visibly emotional after his opening goal, later revealing the tears stemmed from personal struggles rather than football matters.

Messi explained he had experienced 'difficult days' recently but credited teammates and delegation staff for providing strength throughout. His first World Cup hat-trick came 20 years to the day since his tournament debut in 2006, when he scored against Serbia and Montenegro. The emotional celebration showed a vulnerable side to the typically composed captain.

This milestone made Messi the first player ever to feature at six World Cups, cementing his status among football's greatest. Argentina's win also broke a historical pattern - they had lost their opening matches as defending champions in both 1982 and 1990. The victory provides early momentum for their title defence.

Messi's achievement places him alongside Klose in World Cup history while demonstrating his continued importance to Argentina's success. His emotional honesty about personal challenges adds another dimension to an already remarkable international career.