Argentina v Algeria LIVE: Result and reaction as Messi scores stunning hat-trick

Lionel Messi equalled the all-time World Cup top goalscorer record after a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria in Kansas City.

The 38-year-old is now on 16 career World Cup goals, one clear of Brazil’s Ronaldo and level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose, after producing a sensational display for the world champions to inspire his side to a 3-0 lead at Arrowhead.

90+6 mins: There goes the full-time whistle.

Argentina have brushed Algeria aside thanks to the mastery of Messi.

Three goals and one disallowed came from his boots and at 38-years-old he proved just how good he still is.

90 mins: With Messi now off the pitch, the intensity has dropped.

Six minutes of added time to play.

85 mins: Chance for Algeria?

Mac Allister makes a foul just outside his own box. It’s a slight push but the referee hands a free kick to Algeria.

Riyad Mahrez, fresh off the bench, looks like he will take it. It’s within shooting distance and Mahrez smokes his effort into the wall.

80 mins: Messi won’t be breaking the record tonight as he is subbed off the pitch to a very loud round of applause.

He’s been the catalyst, talisman and the best player on the pitch tonight.

Messi has his hat-trick now!

He starts the move by bringing the ball forward through the middle and sending it out to Gonzalez on the left.

Julian Alvarez makes a run deep into the box to draw away the defenders and Gonzalez returns the ball.

Messi takes a touch and drills it low into the nearest bottom corner.

73 mins: After another hydration break the game resumes with Algeria pushing forward.

They try to work the ball through the middle, then out to the left wing but there’s no way through the Argentine defence.

69 mins: The second goal has put the game to bed. Algeria haven’t showed enough that they can score twice against this Argentinian side.

They need to stem the momentum that is firmly with the World Champions.

Messi has never scored a World Cup hat-trick but he senses that he could get one today.

Mac Allister slips him and he holds off his marker before rattling a shot at goal and forcing a save out of Zidane!

There’s some fortune for Messi here. He plays a pass down the line then drifts into the box as the ball comes across to Alexis Mac Allister.

The midfielder gets hold of a fine shot from range and forces Zidane to palm the ball into the middle of the box.

Messi reacts the quickest and collects the ball before turning it home!