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Lionel Messi makes history again He became the World Cup's joint all-time leading scorer with a hat-trick as reigning champions Argentina opened their title defence with an emphatic victory over Algeria. Author  | Jamie P Stadium  | Kansas City Stadium Making his 200th appearance for his country, Lionel Messi scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career. In doing so, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took his tally of goals in World Cup finals to 16, drawing level with Germany's all-time leading marksman, Miroslav Klose. The three-time world champions were forced to work hard for the win It was also the first time Argentina had won their opening match at a World Cup as defending champions, having lost their first games in 1982 and 1990. Much of that was down to the brilliance of Messi, who curled home a superb opener in the 17th minute. The 38-year-old collected the ball from his Inter Miami team-mate Rodrigo De Paul before bending a precise finish beyond ...

Historic moment for Qatar They claimed the first World Cup point in their history with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland. Author | Peter Grainger Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Boualem Khoukhi rose to head home Homam El Amin's cross in the fourth minute of added time, sparking jubilant celebrations among Julen Lopetegui's players. A closer analysis of what happened It was a remarkable finale to a contest largely controlled by Switzerland, who had looked set to secure victory through Breel Embolo's first-half penalty. The striker converted from the spot after Remo Freuler was brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, although television replays suggested the Bologna midfielder may have been marginally offside in the build-up. At that point, Murat Yakın's side appeared on course to move to the top of Group B ahead of more demanding fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada. How costly could these two dropped points be for Switze...