Lionel Messi has done it again. The 38-year-old Argentina captain scored a hat-trick — his first ever at a World Cup — to sink Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City on Tuesday. And with those three goals, he tied Germany's Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

Messi struck in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes at Arrowhead Stadium. It was a vintage performance from a man who keeps rewriting history. This is his sixth World Cup — more than any player ever — and he's showing no signs of slowing down.

“To enjoy this with my family, with my team-mates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment,” the Inter Miami star said after the match. “I’m happy.”

Argentina are the defending champions, having won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Messi's form suggests they could become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back titles. The squad is deep, confident, and playing for each other.

“The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group,” Messi said. “I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start off with a win in the first game. I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this – we packed the stadium again.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni ran out of words for his captain. “For 20 years, he’s had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play,” Scaloni said.

Algeria, ranked 31st in the world, put up a fight but couldn't handle Messi's brilliance. The loss drops them to the bottom of Group J. They'll need to bounce back quickly to keep their knockout hopes alive.

Argentina now turn their attention to their next group match against Austria on Monday. A win there would seal their place in the round of 16 and allow Scaloni to rest key players in the final group game.

“We’re going to take it one game at a time,” Scaloni said. “The team is happy; we gave playing time to a lot of players. Hopefully we can win the next one so everyone can be in the third group stage match.”

For South African fans watching, Messi's magic is a reminder of why the World Cup is the greatest show on earth. Argentina are the team to beat, and their No. 1 FIFA ranking backs it up. Algeria, meanwhile, have work to do if they want to make it out of the group.

Messi isn't done yet. And with 16 World Cup goals, he's right where he belongs — at the top of the scoring charts, alongside a legend.