Messi, Argentina Beat Algeria, Final Match Stats, Highlights & World Cup Group J Scenarios

Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick on Tuesday to propel Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City.

The three-goal performance put Messi level with Miroslav Klose for the all-time men's World Cup scoring record.

Argentina currently sits atop Group J. Austria and Jordan play in Tuesday's last game to complete Matchday 1 in the group.

Group J Standings

1. Argentina - 3 points (+3 goal differential)
2. Austria - 0
3. Jordan - 0
4. Algeria - 0 (-3)

Match Stats

	Shots	Shots on Goal	Corners	Fouls
Argentina	10	6	2	13
Algeria	7	1	2	8

Messi didn't take long to open the scoring at Arrowhead Stadium.

The legendary superstar found the top corner in the 17th minute off a great pass from Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi's first goal came about 10 minutes after he found the back of the net for the first time, but that tally was ruled out for offside. Algeria also had a goal ruled out for offside early in the opening period.

The 15th goal of Messi's World Cup career came on a rebound off an Alexis MacAllister shot on goal.

The 38-year-old then tied Miroslav Klose's men's World Cup scoring record with a beautifully-placed finish in the 76th minute.

Argentina now moves on to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for its final two group-stage games.

The reigning World Cup champion faces Austria on Monday and then plays Jordan on June 27.

Algeria heads to Santa Clara, California to face Jordan on Monday, a game that it needs to win to feel safe about its advancement to the knockout phase.