Lionel Messi scores brilliant goal

Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup title defence is underway as they face Algeria in Kansas City today.

After having an early goal denied by the offside flag, Messi scored a brilliant goal in the 17th minute to give the defending champions the lead.

Lionel Messi, the brilliant 38-year-old, scores his 14th World Cup goal and makes it five World Cup games in a row where he has scored.

It was created by a brilliant pass from midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who found Messi between the lines of the Algerian midfield and defence.

Messi carried it forward, set up the shot with a few neat touches, and curled it towards the top-right corner.

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane got a slight touch on the ball but couldn't keep it out.

Fabulous from Messi but that must be the most ‘breaking the lines’ pass you’ve ever seen, from Rodrigo De Paul.

In many ways, it's a great goal; if we were talking about almost any other player, it would be considered a picture-book goal.