The match was particularly significant for Messi as he made his 200th international appearance for Argentina and scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner etched his name further into football history by taking his World Cup goal tally to 16, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition's joint highest scorer of all time.

In their bid to retain the title, Argentina began their campaign in dream fashion at Kansas City Stadium. 

The victory also marked the first time Argentina have won their opening match of a World Cup as defending champions, having suffered defeats in that role in 1982 and 1990.

Following the emphatic win, Argentina will next face Austria and Jordan in the group stage as they continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.